A FINE AND RARE FRENCH ENGRAVED GILT BRASS PORCELAIN PANEL INSET MINIATURE OVAL CARRIAGE TIMEPIECE UNSIGNED, PARIS, CIRCA 1880The rectangular eight-day single train movement with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance, the rectangular porcelain dial panel polychrome painted with landscape scene with two courtesans in 18th century dress seated beneath hour disc incorporating iron red Roman numerals and blued steel spade hands, the engraved gilt oval case of Mignonnette No. 1 size with hinged engraved shaped carrying handle and glass set within rococo scroll engraved matted surround to top, over cushion-capped caddy moulded cornice and leafy trail decorated frames enclosing porcelain side panels each again finely painted with two 18th century courtesans, the rear with hinged door incorporating further additional conforming figural panel, on ogee-outline skirt base engraved with bands of foliate scrollwork, the underside stamped with number 2432.The clock 8cm (3.125ins) high with handle down, 6cm (2.375ins) wide, 5cm (2ins) deep. Provenance: Private collection, East Midlands. Miniature carriage clocks are called Mignonnettes or 'little darlings' and come in three graded sizes with No. 1 being the smallest. Miniature oval carriage clocks are notably rare and the current lot is notable in having an engraved case with three finely painted curved porcelain panels; a very similar example is illustrated in Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and other Travelling Clocks on page 163 (Figure 9.41).