This is certainly in my top five favourite carriage clocks that we have had for sale.
The combination of the majestic bright, silver-plated case with angled pillars, and stylised dial on a duck-egg blue ground within a gilded dial border make this clock quite exceptional.
The pristine, unrestored dial has a chapter ring styled as a gilt-edged belt and with gothic numerals. The centre had a very fine blue and gilt floral motif, and the dial is signed for E, WHITE, 20 COCKSPUR STREET, LONDON.
It was unclear what the case finish was when it came to us, but on dismantling the case, the protected inner parts were all evidently silver. We have now re-plated the case to restore its former glory.
The 8-day movement retains the original silvered platform escapement, and it strikes and repeats the hours on a gong. It also strikes the passing of the half hour. The backplate is stamped with Drocourt’s trademark, and with their serial number 18453.
Leigh Extence has carried our considerable excellent research into the work of Alfred Drocourt. Click here to see his exhibition catalogue, and compare this clock with serial numbers 18284 and 19008 in particular, both with highly complex mechanisms contained in this case style.
E. White were highly esteemed clockmakers in the early Victorian years, making for Dent alongside those carrying the E. White name, the methods and quality indistinguishable between the two names. This clock was commissioned from Drocourt for their retail business, Drocourts being considered of the best quality French carriage clocks.
We have a fusee carriage clock by E. White in stock, dating from a few decades earlier:
English fusee striking carriage clock by E. White