A FRENCH ENGRAVED BRASS GORGE CASED GRAND SONNERIE STRIKING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCK

The engraved gorge case decorated with foliage and ribbon-ties, gilt brass engraved mask with circular dial and subsidiary for the alarm, the twin train movement with original large silvered platform escapement, striking on two bells, with strike setting lever under the base

18cm high

Condition report:  The clock is in unrestored condition.  The gilding to the engraved case is worn and the metal is dirty.  All glass panels are in good condition with no chips.  The escapement is silvered and is the original.  The outer side of the backplate is stamped 533.  The underside of the base plate is stamped 533 as is one foot. The inner front plate 655.  The underside of the escapement is no 1026/3.  The movement functions with a wind but is sluggish.  It strikes and repeats but is out of sync.  The main dial is in perfect order.  The alarm dial has a hairline from centre to 9.

One key 

PROVENANCE: Henry Cassels Kay (1827-1903), who worked in Alexandria, in the leading merchant company Briggs and Co.  He returned to England in 1875 and became Director of the Bank of Egypt. Having studied Arabic inscriptions in Cairo he turned his attentions to more academic pursuits.  His magnum opus was the translation and study of the 'History of Oman' by Najm al-Din Marsh al-Hakami.  His home had a replica of a Cairene apartment in one room.