Engraved Repeating alarm Carriage Clock by Soldano

A high quality engraved repeating alarm carriage clock by Soldano, dating from the late 19th century.

The regilded gorge style case is very well engraved all over. It has a large platform viewing glass in the top. All glasses are beveled and in excellent condition, without chips.

The eight day movement strikes on a gong, and depressing the button on the top of the case will repeat the last hour struck. The gong block is signed MV, and the movement is numbered to both plates and the base, 1292. The original silvered platform is also numbered 1292 to its underside and top; the top is additionally marked JS for Joseph Soldano.  The clock also has a alarm function which operates a separate hammer on the same gong.

Joseph Soldano was awarded Bronze Medals  for carriage clocks at the Paris Exhibitions of 1855 and 1878 .  It was said, “The Exhibition of this establishment showed substantial progress in the art of case decoration.  On show were a group of carriage clocks ornamented with great taste and originality.  The finish of these movements was conventional, but the escapements appeared to us to have been treated with particular care.  Several items merited the highest praise.”  (Revue Chronométrique, 1880, p.70, report on 1878 Exhib.)

This clock displays both of these prized characteristics. In addition, both the movement base and the base plate have sound frets to allow the gong to resonate.

Allix & Bonnert point out that Soldano are particularly well known for the high quality of their escapements which where in all probability made in Geneva, Switzerland and were often stamped Soldano or just JS.

The white enamel dial is in excellent original condition, the Roman time dial over the smaller Arabic alarm dial.

Blued steel moon hands.

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

Height 6 3/4 inches (17cms)