A RARE FRENCH GILT BRASS CARIATIDES CASED MINIATURE CARRIAGE...

Estimate

£800 - £1,200

A RARE FRENCH GILT BRASS CARIATIDES CASED MINIATURE CARRIAGE CLOCKG. BACQUEVILLE, PARIS, DATED 1893The rectangular eight-day movement with large single barrel incorporating tandem drive for both the going and strike trains, the former with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance and the latter with external hour hammer pivoted on the backplate for sounding on a gong set within the base of the case, the backplate stamped with serial number 3552 to lower margin, the 1 inch circular convex white enamel dial with vertically aligned Arabic hour numerals, five minute annotations to the outer minute track and fine scroll pierced gilt brass hands, set within a rectangular silvered mask signed G. Bacqueville, PARIS - 1895 to lower margin, the heavy cast gilt brass bevel-glazed cariatides case of Mignonette No. 2 size with rosette-centred acanthus scroll cast hinged carrying handle over thick glass set within generous repeating acanthus cast surround to top, above ogee-shaped lappet leaf cast cornice and canted corner uprights cast as Classical female terms, the rear with pin-hinged door and on conforming lappet-leaf ogee skirt base with pad feet.8.3cm (3.25ins) high with handle down, 6cm (2.625ins) wide, 5cm (2ins) deep.G. Bacqueville of Paris does not appear to be recorded in the usual sources however other decorative clocks (dating to the end of the 19th century) signed by him are known. The use of tandem barrel to drive both the going and strike trains, together with the provision of a silvered high-quality silvered platform jewelled escapement, suggests that the movement of the present clock may well be of Swiss manufacture. Hence would have most likely been supplied to Bacqueville for casing and retail in Paris.Miniature carriage clocks are called Mignonettes or 'little darlings' and come in three graded sizes with No. 1 being the smallest.

More Information

The movement is in relatively clean fully working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The hour hand is a little out of position (reading around one minute division ahead) hence would benefit from adjustment. Dial is free from any visible defects although the silvering to the mask is has slight overall oxidation giving a nice mellow colour to the silvered finish. The case is in very good original condition with no visible crack/chips or other defects to the glass and light to moderated wear to the gilding (most noticeable to the frame of the rear door).Clock is complete with a winding key.