Superb quality French corniche cased striking carriage clock by Richard et Cie c1880. Elegantly proportioned brass case with cast handle. Bevelled panels and oval top window displaying its jewelled lever platform escapement. Black roman numerals and minute ring on a white enamelled face with blued steel hands. A twin barrel 8-day duration movement striking the hours and half-hours on a coiled gong. Backplate stamped with the Richard et Cie trademark (bottom left). Supplied with antique double-ended brass key. Height is 12.5 cm excluding handle (16.5 cm with handle), width is 8.5 cm and depth 7.5 cm. Excellent time-keeper. A fabulous example.

Fully cleaned and serviced but retaining its antique brass patina. The clock's movement is covered by our 12 month warranty in the UK.

Richard et Cie was founded in Paris in 1848 (as Lemaitre & Bergnann), adding a London branch at 24 Cannon Street in 1867 which traded as Richard & Co. They advertised as offering “French clocks and carriage clocks (own make)” – going out of their way to stress “All Own Made Goods are of Guaranteed Quality and bear our Trade Mark”. Their full trademark comprises an R and C with entwined snakes in between, enclosed in an oval. Other items just bearing the mark R&C are thought to denote a clock sold by the company but not made by them. The London business lasted until 1881 with the Paris workshop based at Rue Bondy continuing on until the beginning of the 20th Century.
For an overview of the development of the carriage clock visit our Maker's History pages.