A FINE FRENCH GILT BRASS GORGE CASED REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH SUBSIDIARY SECONDS

A FINE FRENCH GILT BRASS GORGE CASED REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH SUBSIDIARY SECONDSLeRoy and Fils incorporating escapement by J. Soldano, Paris and London, late 19th centuryThe eight-day two train gong striking movement stamped 15687 to the inside lower edge of the frontplate and with silvered platform lever escapement incorporating split bimetallic balance and stamped with JS cartouche trademark opposing No. 728, the backplate also numbered 728 to centre and with additional number 4756 to lower left hand corner, the dial with engine-turned rectangular gilt mask enclosing circular white enamel Roman numeral circular insert with small subsidiary seconds dial at twelve o'clock blued steel spade hands, the lower margin with shaped enamel-backed recess inscribed LEROY & FILS, 211 REGENT ST., LONDON, the gilt gorge case with hinged carrying handle over glazed top glass enclosing engine-turned mask with oval aperture for the escapement, with channel moulded uprights and ogee-moulded base; with a red leather covered protective travelling case.The clock 14.5cm (5.75ins) high with handle down, 9.5cm (3.75ins) wide, 8.5cm (3.375ins) deep. The firm of 'Le Roy and Fils' can be traced back to 1785 when the business was founded by Basille Charles Le Roy at 60 Galerie de Pierre, Palais Royal, Paris. During the Revolutionary years the firm relocated to 88 Rue de L'Egalite before finally settling at Galerie Montpensier, 13 and 15 Palais Royal. In 1828 Basille Charles died leaving the business to his son, Charles-Louis, who continued producing clocks signed 'Le Roy & Fils' until 1845 when the firm was sold to his former employee Casimir Halley Desfontaines; who in turn was succeeded by his son M. George Halley Desfontaines in 1883. In 1888 M. George Halley died leaving the business to his brother Jules Halley who then took-in as a partner Louis Leroy (apparently no relation to the founders of the firm). In 1899 the firm left Palais Royal and moved to Boulevard de La Madeleine where it continued trading in the hands of various successors until well into the 20th century. Such was the success of Le Roy and Fils that they were able to open branches in London, firstly at 211 Regent Street from mid 1800s to before 1885 when they moved to 57 Bond Street.The current lot is fitted with an escapement stamped with the 'J S' cartouche trademark for Joseph Soldano who is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCK, Their history and development as a maker of fine carriage clocks. Soldano was awarded medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1855 & 1878 where it was noted that 'The escapements appeared to us to have been treated with particular care.' Allix notes that their escapements probably made in Geneva, Switzerland and were often stamped 'Soldano' or 'J S'. Although Joseph Soldano made carriage clocks outright (including highly decorated models) he apparently supplied other makers with his high quality escapements, this would certainly appear to be the case with the current lot. Condition Report: The movement is in clean fully working condition with no evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial is in fine condition with no visible faults to the enamel of the principal dial however the integral subsidiary seconds dial has a small chip at the centre. The mask is in good condition with only one or two very slight spots of discolouration and very slight overall 'mellowing' to the gilding. The case is also in fine condition with no visible chips to any of the glasses and negligeable mellowing/discolouration to the gilding. The travelling case is in good condition with only minor wear/blemishes to the covering; the carrying strap is snapped at one end.Clock has a winding key also stamped 728. Condition Report Disclaimer