Fine and scarce French grande sonnerie calendar carriage clock striking on two
bells, circa 1860. Gilt brass gorge case with holes in the base to allow the sound out.
Engraved masked dial signed Rodanet, the retailer. Subsidiary dials for day, date, and alarm.
The movement with fine original silvered 11 jewel lever platform. Striking on a nest of two
bells (one nicely replaced) on the back plate. Lever in the base to select full strike, half strike, or silent.
In original lleather traveling case, missing strap. A very handsome and complicated
timepiece in lovely condition.
This clock has a very rare striking system called 4 quarter striking. From 15 minutes past the hour until
just before the next hour the clock strikes and repeats as usual. On the hour the clock strikes the previous
hour plus 4 quarters. This sequence continues when the repeat is activated any time after the hour and
prior to the first quarter. According to Charles Allix these clocks were made by Henri Jacot, but only a
few are known. See page 196, Carriage Clocks, Their History and Development by Charles Allix & Peter Bonnett
The dial is signed "A.H. Rodanet et Cie. Fournissieurs Btes. de L Empereor et de la Marine Imperiale
39 Rue Vivienne Paris"
