A FRENCH GORGE CASED GRANDE SONNERIE STRIKING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH ALARM

A FRENCH GORGE CASED GRANDE SONNERIE STRIKING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH ALARMATTRIBUTED TO JOSEPH SOLDANO, LATE 19th CENTURYThe eight-day two train movement configured with ting-tang striking for the quarters on a graduated pair of coiled gongs and the hour sounding at every quarter hour on the larger of the two, the going train with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and stamped with oblong J.S. cartouche for Joseph Soldano alongside No. 1207 to the leading edge of the platform, the top left of the movement with alarm mechanism sounding on the smaller gong, the inside of the frontplate stamped 3945 and the backplate further stamped 1117 to lower left, the rectangular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel moon hands and subsidiary alarm setting dial to lower margin, the satin-gilt brass gorge case with hinged carrying handle over rectangular top glass, trip-repeat button to front rail and channel-moulded uprights, the rear with pin-hinged glazed door over ogee-outline base with three-position selection lever annotated Hours Quarters/Silent/Quarters to underside.15cm (6ins) high with handle down, 10cm (4ins) wide, 9cm (3.5ins) deep. The current lot is fitted with an escapement stamped with the 'J S' cartouche trademark for Joseph Soldano who is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development as a maker of fine carriage clocks. Soldano was awarded medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1855 & 1878 where it was noted that 'The escapements appeared to us to have been treated with particular care.' Allix notes that their escapements probably made in Geneva, Switzerland and were often stamped 'Soldano' or 'J S'. Although Joseph Soldano made carriage clocks outright (including highly decorated models) he apparently supplied other makers with his high-quality escapements.Condition Report: The movement appears complete and all-original. The going train is running however the action of the escapement is a little laboured suggesting that a gentle clean/service is required. The grande-sonnerie striking is fully operational including the selection lever to the underside. The alarm is also working and is in-sync with the setting hand. The dial is free from visible blemishes. The case is in fine condition with no visible chips/faults to the glasses and only very slight spotting and grime build-up to the frosted gilt finish.Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer