A Richard & Co brass timepiece carriage clock with alarm c1880. The clock is in a rectangular corniche case with cast, shaped handle. Bevelled glass panels and oval bevelled top window displaying its original silvered cylinder platform escapement. White enamelled dial with blued-steel hands and black Roman numerals and minute ring. Subsidiary alarm dial with Arabic numerals and shaped pointer. An 8-day duration timepiece mechanism with bell alarm located in the base. Backplate stamped "R&Co Made in Paris" which would have been retailed through their London branch (between 1867 and 1881). Supplied with traditional double-ended brass key. The clock measures 14 cm to top of handle (10.5 cm without handle), 8 cm in width and 6 cm depth. Fully cleaned and serviced but retaining its antique brass patina. The clock's movement is covered by our 12-month warranty in the UK.
 
The parent firm, Richard et Cie was founded in Paris in 1848 (as Lemaitre & Bergnann), adding a London branch in 1857. In 1867 the branch became Richard & Co. of 24 Cannon Street, London. 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. The mark R&Co is thought to denote a clock retailed by the company through their London branch.  The London business lasted until 1881.