PAUL GARNIER no.444, Paris
Description:
A rare and early nineteenth century French carriage clock by one of the most influential and innovative makers. The glazed gilt one piece case with a removable front glass sliding upwards to enable the clock to be wound.
The dial is typical of Garnier’s early clocks with ‘watered silk’ engine turning and painted numerals and named plaque above 6 o’clock.
The eight-day movement with hour and half hour strike on a bell concealing the number 444.
Importantly the clock retains the original two plain escapements.
Paul Garnier was born in 1801 and died in 1869. An associate of Janvier and a founder member of the Société de Horologers. Not by any means the inventor of the French carriage clock, but beyond question the man who first standardised and rationalised them. Paul Garnier received Silver Medals in the Paris Exhibitions of 1827, 1834 and 1839 for exhibits which included carriage clocks, and Gold Medals in 1844 and 1849, besides awards in provincial exhibitions. He was awarded a Medal of Honour in 1855. In 1860, in recognition of his many public services, Paul Garnier was named Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur. Paul Garnier’s son succeeded him and died in 1917. Tripplin said in 1889 that Garnier had supplied railway station clocks throughout France “…ever since the beginning of the railway enterprise”. Paul Garnier signed himself variously: “Élevé de Janvier”, “Horologer de Roi”, “Horologer de la Marine” and Ingeur Mcien”. Paul Garner, the son, was still exhibiting carriage clocks in the Paris Exhibition of 1889.
Clockmaker: PAUL GARNIER, Paris
Circa: 1830
Stock Number: 4214
Height: 5.5 inches (14 cm.)