A FINE GILT BRASS CARIATIDES CASED GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING AND REPEATING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCK

A FINE GILT BRASS CARIATIDES CASED GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING AND REPEATING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCK Probably by Henri Jacot, Paris, late 19th centuryIn part dismantled condition, the eight-day two train movement configured with ting-tang striking for the quarters on a graduated pair of gongs and the hour sounding at every quarter hour on the larger of the two, with regulation by platform lever escapement with sprung split bimetallic balance and alarm sounding on the smaller gong, the inside of the frontplate stamped 439, J.. and the backplate stamped with repeat serial number 439, the engine-turned gilt brass dial with fine foliate scroll engraved rectangular mask enclosing Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised rosette centre and blued steel moon hands over conforming subsidiary alarm setting dial to lower margin, the bevel-glazed frosted gilt break-arch cariatides case with hinged reeded carrying handle over thick curved top glass to pediment inset with a cast laurel wreath to tympanum incorporating repeat button, The cornice with reeded band over, Classical female term applied canted angles, on conforming reeded band decorated ogee moulded base with stepped skirt and squat pad feet, the underside with Grande Sonnerie/Silence/Petite Sonnerie selection lever, (part disassembled with under-dial work, escapement and all other components normally fitted to the exterior of the plates presently off the movement and bagged).18cm (7.25ins) high excluding handle; 11.5cm (4,5ins) wide; 10cm (4ins) deep. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a horologist. The current lot can be directly compared to an example attributed to Henri Jacot illustrated in Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and other Travelling CLOCKS on page 107 (Fig. 6-44) whilst another, also by Jacot and in a case of identical form, is illustrated in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development page 172 (Plate VII/24) as well as on the rear of the dust jacket. Henri Jacot is recorded by Allix as working from 31 Rue de Montmorency, Paris as well as possibly having a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont. The business was awarded Bronze Medals at the Paris 'Exposition' in 1855 and in London 1862; Silver in Paris 1867, 78 and 89 and Gold, again in Paris, 1890. Although Charles Allix notes that Henri Jacot senior died in 1868 and was succeeded by his nephew of the same name further research by Leigh Extence has revealed that after his death Henri's business was actually continued by his brother Julien who was essentially only 'keeping the bench warm' until his son, and Henri's nephew Albert, was able to take over and move the concern forward in 1874. The business is thought to have continued until around 1920.Condition Report: As catalogued the current clock is being offered in part-disassembled condition hence will require the attention of a suitably experienced clockmaker/horologist to re-assemble and make the necessary adjustments before the clock can be appreciated in working condition. We understand that the clock was being re-assembled after being dismantled for a clean/service when the previous owner (a skilled horologist) passed away and has been stored for a few years in this condition. Although we can offer no assurances it would appear that the trains are in good condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements and the escapement appears to be in sound condition and most likely original to the clock. All the under-dial work has been part categorised and bagged-up and cursory checking through would suggest that all significant components are present and in serviceable condition however as we are not trained horologists we cannot offer any assurances that this is the situation. The dial is in fine condition with only very minimal build-up of light surface dirt/grime. The case appears complete and intact with gilding exhibition only light wear/discolouration to high spots; all glasses appear free from visible damage with the exception of the left hand side panel which has slight chipping to one corner.There is no winding key present with the current lot. Condition Report Disclaimer