Antique French Miniature Anglaise Riche Gilt & Cloisonne Enamel Carriage Clock

Fine French Miniature Anglaise Riche Gilt & Cloisonné Enamel Carriage Clock, circa 1890

Description

An exceptionally fine and beautifully preserved late 19th-century French miniature carriage timepiece, housed in an elaborate gilt Anglaise Riche case with richly coloured cloisonné enamel decoration, circa 1890.

Of particularly desirable miniature proportions, the architectural case is constructed with Corinthian column angles, each extensively decorated with intricate polychrome enamel work. Further enamel decoration extends across the base, upper platform and substantial articulated carrying handle, incorporating scrolling foliate motifs in turquoise blue, cobalt, cream and deep red against the richly gilded ground.

The clock is fitted with a classic white enamel dial, finely painted with black Roman numerals and minute divisions and complemented by elegant black hands.

One of the particularly attractive features of the clock is its extensive glazing. Clear glass side panels reveal the internal brass gear trains and mechanical components, while a glazed aperture to the top provides a further fascinating view of the movement and original platform escapement.

The movement retains its original platform escapement, an important feature specifically recorded in the clock’s surviving period documentation.

Exceptional Documented Provenance

The clock has unusually comprehensive provenance and is accompanied by its original Anthony Woodburn Fine Antique Clocks documentation dating from 1990.

The original invoice, dated 27 November 1990, describes the clock as:

“Small gilt and enamelled timepiece carriage clock in an Anglaise-Riche case. The case with cloisonné decoration.”

It records a purchase price of £2,900 in 1990.

An accompanying Anthony Woodburn insurance valuation, also dated 27 November 1990, describes it as:

“A fine miniature French carriage timepiece in a gilt Anglaise-Riche case with cloisonné decoration to the case handle and the columns. The timepiece movement retains the original platform escapement and the enamel dial has Roman numerals.”

The insurance valuation was £3,200 in 1990.

Further surviving documentation identifies the clock as item number 76, describing a French miniature carriage timepiece with an Anglaise Riche case, Corinthian column angles and enamel decoration.

Importantly, the base of the clock retains its period paper label handwritten “PAULA 76,” directly cross-referencing the accompanying item-number 76 documentation. This provides a particularly convincing link between the clock and its surviving historical paperwork.

The collection also includes a period photograph of the clock and its winding key, adding further to the unusually complete provenance.

Details

Origin: France

Period: Late 19th century, circa 1890

Case: Anglaise Riche

Materials: Gilt brass, polychrome cloisonné enamel, glass and enamel dial

Movement: Mechanical timepiece movement with original platform escapement

Dial: White enamel with black Roman numerals

Height: 11 cm / 4.33 in.

Width: 5 cm / 1.97 in.

Depth: 4.5 cm / 1.77 in.

Provenance

Anthony Woodburn Fine Antique Clocks, Kent, England

Purchased 27 November 1990 for £2,900

Insurance valuation dated 27 November 1990: £3,200

Documented as item no. 76

Clock retaining corresponding handwritten “PAULA 76” paper label.

Condition

Presented in excellent antique condition, with the gilt surfaces displaying beautifully and the intricate enamel decoration retaining strong, vibrant colour. The glass panels allow excellent visibility of the movement. Minor age-related surface wear is consistent with a fine mechanical object of this period.

The clock is accompanied by its winding key, original 1990 Anthony Woodburn purchase invoice, Anthony Woodburn insurance valuation, item no. 76 documentation and period photograph.

A rare and exceptionally decorative miniature French carriage clock, distinguished by its richly enamelled Anglaise Riche case, original platform escapement and, most importantly, an unusually complete and traceable provenance extending back more than 35 years.