Carriage Clock in Amber Crystal with Case

A rare and exquisite carriage clock, the entire body formed from richly tinted amber (topaz) crystal glass, profusely decorated on all four sides and the top with finely wheel-engraved and gilt scrolling acanthus foliage, shell and fan cartouches, bead borders, and foliate sprays in the Rococo Revival taste. The clock sits on a stepped rectangular base with engraved laurel border, raised on four small gilt brass bun feet.

The front face is centred with a circular gilt brass bezel enclosing a dark dial with elegant blued steel hands, the hour hand centred on a pierced gilt rosette of fine filigree work. The rear carries the most elaborate engraving, a large guilloché crosshatch cartouche framed by bold C-scroll volutes and radiating fan ornament.

The movement is a compact cylinder escapement platform, serial no. 9691, in running order and showing pleasing unrestored patination. The piece bears a double signature: engraved directly into the glass on the underside of the base "Le Rosey à Paris" and gilt-stamped to the interior of the original fitted case,"Le Rosey / 8 Rue de la Paix / Paris".

Le Rosey was among the most prestigious luxury retailers of the Belle Époque, operating on the Rue de la Paix, the most exclusive shopping street in Paris, home to Cartier and the great jewellery houses.
Retains its original double-door presentation case in burgundy leather with wire handle and brass hasp, crimson silk velvet interior.

Condition: Movement running; glass body intact; minor chip to rear left corner of base; gilding with expected light wear; case with surface wear consistent with age.

Literature:
Allix & Bonnert, Carriage Clocks: Their History and Development, Antique Collectors' Club, 1974
Roberts, Derek, Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks, Schiffer, 1993
Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Paris, 1971
Mergl & Pánkova, Moser Karlsbad (catalogue raisonné), for Bohemian amber glass attribution
Marks on China database: Lerosey, Rue de la Paix, documents Le Rosey at multiple addresses along the Rue de la Paix from circa 1880