I AM RETIRED AND HAVE HAD PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN CLOCK RESTORATION. I HAVE BEEN RESTORING ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE CLOCKS AS AN INTEREST IN MY SPARE TIME FOR OVER 35 YEARS. I SPECIALISE IN CARRIAGE CLOCKS.
THIS CLASSIC ANTIQUE CARRIAGE CLOCK WAS MADE C1895 BY COUAILLET FRERES. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I HAVE JUST COMPLETELY OVERHAULED AND SERVICED IT.
This particular clock is identical to that illustrated in Charles Allix's definitive book "Carriage Clocks, Their History and Development" (Plate VII/23 Page 171). It has what is known as a "Louis XV Doucine" case with a classic "0bis" movement.
SIZE: Height (with handle folded down) 5 1/4 (13 cms); Width 3 1/4 inches (8.5 cms); Depth 3 inches (7.5 cms)
- CASE: Good quality cast brass with folding solid brass handle and sitting on four small turned brass feet (to which I have stuck small felt pads to protect surfaces). All case parts are stamped with the same number (106) which shows that it is all original. Furthermore, the rear door opens and closes with absolute precision - a pretty sure sign that the clock has not been dropped in the past or suffered any other damage! The case was heavily tarnished when I acquired the clock so I dismantled it completely then cleaned and hand polished each part before giving them a coat of special micro-crystalline wax polish. This will not only delay the tarnishing process in future but make it easier to give the case a light clean when necessary (I can advise). I am really pleased with the way it has restored - it now has a lustrous patina which will last for years before it needs cleaning again.
- MOVEMENT : Very well engineered good quality solid brass 8-day "0bis" movement by Couaillet Freres. It is numbered (138), inside both plates and is stamped "MADE IN FRANCE" on the back plate under the click spring. It is fitted with a 7- jewel compensated lever escapement - which works robustly with excellent amplitude and a quiet tick. It bears the makers trade mark arrow on the back plate. All the back plate screws have been attractively blued. I stripped the movement down completely, checked it carefully for wear, polished the pivots on the lathe, pegged out the sinks then cleaned and hand polished each component. I also cleaned and oiled the escapement. After rebuilding the movement, I oiled it with fine grade clock and watch oil. It now works perfectly and will not need servicing again for years.
- DIAL: The white enamel-on-copper is in perfect condition. The chapter ring and bold Roman numerals are crisp and clean and as good as when the clock left the factory. The polished blued steel hands are also in perfect condition.
- GLASSES: The five thick bevelled glasses are made of good quality optical glass: they are all in perfect condition .
- KEY: The clock comes with a double-ended brass key: one end winds the 8-day movement and the other is for adjusting the hands.
- INSTRUCTIONS: I will enclose simple instructions explaining how to get the clock started if it has stopped during its journey through the post.
This is a really fine example of these sought after classic antique carriage clocks.
The clock is heavy (about 1 kilo when packed), which is reflected in the shipping costs - PACKAGING (new double boxes) and POSTAGE (Special Delivery, tracked & insured): UK £10.00; EU £20.00 (approx. 22 Euros); Elsewhere £30.00
I pack well, post promptly, and have 100% positive feedback on eBay - which I would urge you to read before bidding. Here are one or two comments posted recently by buyers:
"Superb seller. If it were possible, I would give a higher rating than five stars"............................... Buyer, Kent, UK
"If only all eBayers were as good as this one. Great comms. Superb packaging A+." .................. Buyer, Norfolk, UK
"A gorgeous piece (carriage clock). Shipped very quickly and packed very well ............................ Buyer, USA
"Excellent clock. Excellent eBayer. Delivery at super fast speed. Highly recommended" ............... Buyer, Wiltshire, UK
"Couldn't be more pleased" ........................................................................................................... Buyer, Georgia, USA
Thank you very much for looking and good luck should you decide to bid!