Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced

£295.00
£295.00
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Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
  • Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced
Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock G R Ralfs Norwich c1880 Serviced

£295.00
£295.00
Late Victorian French Brass Carriage Clock – G. R. Ralfs, Norwich
Mahn & Co. Clock Repairs  |  Norwich

Late Victorian French Brass Carriage Clock
Retailed by G. R. Ralfs, London Street, Norwich

Circa 1880–1895  ·  Movement no. 1679  ·  Cleaned, serviced & bench tested
Full Strip & Ultrasonic Clean Specialist Lubrication Multi-Day Bench Test Packed with Care

A handsome late Victorian French brass carriage clock, carrying the dial signature of G. R. Ralfs, 20 London Street, Norwich — a retailer from a family established on Norwich's premier shopping street from at least 1870. The clock dates to approximately 1880–1895 and presents very well following a full service by Mahn & Co.

Norwich Provenance

The Ralfs family were clock and jewellery retailers on London Street, Norwich from at least 1870, when William Ralfs traded at numbers 7 & 8. G. R. Ralfs at number 20 was almost certainly a family successor trading in the 1880s–1890s. London Street was Norwich's principal retail thoroughfare — a clock from a retailer of this address would have sat in a respectable town centre window. The signed dial adds genuine local interest for collectors with a Norfolk connection.

The Movement

The clock is fitted with its original French lever platform escapement, movement number 1679. The platform is finished in the traditional blackened style — a quality indicator found on better-grade French carriage clock movements of this period, applied both for corrosion resistance and as a mark of fine finishing. The escapement features a jewelled lever with ruby roller, clearly visible in the close-up photographs.

The movement has been fully stripped to component level, ultrasonically cleaned, lubricated with Novostar grease to the spring barrel and synthetic clock oil throughout, reassembled and bench tested over multiple days. It is currently running and keeping good time.

The Case & Dial

Standard-size French carriage clock case in polished brass with bevelled glass panels to all four sides and the top, allowing the movement to be appreciated from every angle. The shaped brass carrying handle is in good original condition. The white enamel dial carries bold black Roman numerals with a full minute track and five-minute Arabic chapter, and the retailer signature is clearly legible beneath the VI position.

Key Features

French carriage clock, c.1880–1895 G. R. Ralfs, 20 London St, Norwich Polished brass case Bevelled glass panels White enamel dial & Roman numerals Blackened lever platform escapement Ruby jewel visible Movement no. 1679 Full service by Mahn & Co. Running & bench tested

Condition

Honest Condition Assessment The brass case has been sympathetically cleaned and polished and presents with an attractive antique character. The bevelled glass panels are intact and fit well. The enamel dial is clean and displays very well, with the retailer signature clearly legible. As with all antique mechanical clocks, minor marks consistent with age and careful use should be expected, but overall this is a very well-presented example.

Dimensions

Height (to top of handle) 14 cm  /  5.5 in
Width 7 cm  /  2.75 in
Depth 8 cm  /  3.1 in

Notes for the Buyer

Antique mechanical clocks may require careful levelling and minor regulation after transit. This clock will be securely and individually packed for safe delivery. A winding key is included.

Please note that antique clocks are not precision timekeepers and should be enjoyed for what they are — fine pieces of Victorian craftsmanship made to be admired and used.

Why Buy From Mahn & Co.

Every clock we sell has been carefully selected, fully stripped, ultrasonically cleaned, lubricated with Novostar grease and synthetic clock oil, and bench tested before listing. Based in Norwich, we have years of hands-on experience with French carriage clocks and vintage movements. We describe honestly, pack carefully and stand behind every sale.

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