Rare Antique French Miniature Gilt Brass Champlevé Enamel Carriage Clock C1840

French Miniature Anglaise Carriage Clock by Marquoin, circa 1840, Provenance

A particularly fine and rare French miniature carriage timepiece, dating to circa 1840, housed in an elaborate Anglaise riche gilt-brass case richly decorated with champlevé enamel, foliate scrollwork and lapis-blue enamel accents.

The architectural case is exceptionally decorative for its diminutive size, with enamelled side panels and a distinctive shaped carrying handle. The white enamel dial has black Roman numerals and blued-steel hands.

The movement is signed/numbered Marquoin No. 4820.

Standing approximately 11 cm high including the handle, this is an unusually small and highly decorative example of the early French carriage clock.

Of particular importance is the excellent documented provenance. The clock is accompanied by its original Anthony Woodburn Fine Antique Clocks invoice dated 1 November 1977, describing the clock as:

“A miniature French carriage clock in an Anglaise Riche case decorated with cloisonné and enamelled with cloisonné side panels. The movement by Marquoin No. 4820. Date c.1840.”

The invoice records a purchase price of £3,500 in 1977, a considerable sum at the time.

Also included is later catalogue documentation describing the same clock as “A French miniature carriage timepiece, the Anglaise Riche case with Baiser angles, champlevé enamelled with foliate scrolls and lapis.” The catalogue records a value of £4,000.

The clock retains its original winding key, as illustrated.

A superb collector’s carriage clock combining miniature proportions, early date, elaborate enamel decoration and unusually strong documented provenance.

France, circa 1840.

Maker/Movement: Marquoin

Movement No.: 4820

Case: Gilt brass with champlevé/cloisonné enamel decoration

Height: Approximately 11 cm maximum

Date: Circa 1840

Provenance: Anthony Woodburn, Fine Antique Clocks, purchased 1 November 1977 for £3,500

Accompanied by: Original 1977 invoice, later catalogue documentation and winding key.