A FINE FRENCH ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GORGE CASED GRANDE-SONNERI...

Estimate

£1,500 - £2,500

A FINE FRENCH ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GORGE CASED GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCK DROCOURT, PARIS, FOR GROHE, LONDON, CIRCA 1880The eight-day two train movement ting-tang striking the quarters on a graduated pair of gongs and sounding the hour every quarter hour on the larger of the two, with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and alarm mechanism positioned to the top left sounding on the smaller gong, the inside of the front plate stamped 9824 and the backplate with stamped oval D C trademark for Drocourt to centre left over repeat serial number 9824 to the lower left corner, the dial with circular white enamel Roman numeral disc inscribed GROHE, WIGMORE STREET, LONDON to centre, incorporating Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track and with blued steel moon hands, set within a fine foliate trail border engraved mask incorporating rectangular-outline panel interrupted by the subsidiary alarm setting dial flanked by leafy sprays to lower margin, the satin gilt bevel-glazed gorge case with leafy trail decorated hinged lobed carrying handle over oval top glass within floral spandrel engraved recessed panel and with repeat button to front rail, with repeating oval motif engraved complex upper mouldings over bright-cut decorated channelled corner uprights, the rear with pin-hinged glazed door, on generous ogee-shaped base further engraved with a stylised husk band of over leafy floral trails onto a matted ground, the underside with STRIKING/SILENT/FULL STRIKING selection lever.14cm (5.5ins) high with handle down, 9.5cm (3.75ins) wide, 8cm (3.125ins) deep.Provenance:The property of a deceased gentleman.James Grohe is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in London 1832-81. Leigh Extence notes his address being 7 Wigmore Street and that he retailed clocks supplied by both Holingue and Drocourt.Pierre Drocourt is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development with further additions and corrections from research undertaken by Leigh Extence (available online) as born in 1819 and setting up in business as a clockmaker in Paris in 1853. He initially worked from Rue Limoges (later called 28 Rue Debelleyme after the rationalisation and merger of Streets in 1865), Paris and was succeeded by his son, Alfred (born 1847), in 1872. The blancs roulants, rough movements, were made in Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont, a town outside Dieppe, where Drocourt had workshops until their sale in 1904, being premises purchased from Holingue frères in 1875 who had previously supplied Drocourt. The firm was awarded numerous international exhibition medals and mentions including Silver in Paris 1878 and Gold in 1889.

More Information

Movement is complete, clean and appears all-original with no visible evidence of alteration or with noticeable replacements. The going train is running however the grande-sonnerie striking train is not currently operational as there appears to be a power issue. The mainspring will not currently wind on its ratchet but the train will run and strike when torque is applied to the train via the winding key (as though it is being wound). The alarm is in working condition. The dial appears free from visible damage or other faults although the retailers signature is a little rubbed. The case is in fine condition with minimal discernible wear to the gilding and only slight mellowing. The glasses appear free from visible damage/chips.Clock has a winding/setting key.