A super giant grande carriage clock with an exceptional dial (c. 1885 France)

D322. This is the largest and also one of the finest French carriage clocks we have had the pleasure of handling. It stands some 10" (25.4cms) high including the handle whereas the standard giant French carriage clock is only 9". It also has a superb dial, the like of which we have never encountered before and grande sonnerie striking.

The movement, which has two very substantial spring barrels, sounds the quarters and hours on two large coiled gongs. In the base is the usual selection lever for silent, striking and full striking. At the first three quarters it strikes the previous hour first, followed by the quarters; ie one, two or three ting-tangs. At the hour only the hour is sounded.

The dial is one of the finest we have seen on a French carriage clock and we have never encountered a similar one. Its arabic ivory? numerals are roughly in the form of a shield, each of which is surrounded by a silvered band 0.1" wide. There is silver engraving immediately outside and between each of the numerals and extending down from these is a delicate silver flower. The dial-plate is gilded and overlying this inside the numerals is an exquisitely executed raised silvered mask with delicate floral decoration to apparently support each of the numerals.

Surrounding the dial is very delicate and extremely fine floral engraving, depicting foliage, flowers and fruit.

Ht with /without handle 10"/ 8" (25.4/ 20.3cms.)

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