Learn About Antique Carriage Clocks
Carriage clocks were one of the most popular clocks in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today antique carriage clocks are valued by collectors due to their size and beauty. Carriage clocks were mainly produced by the French in the 1800’s but became increasingly popular throughout Europe in the 1900’s. They were frequently given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings. They are rectangular with a large carrying handle and were originally designed to be toted along with luggage when the wealthy upper class traveled. The name “carriage clock” came about because the mode of transportation then was usually by carriage, and in order to withstand the rigors of those jarring and bumpy carriage rides the clocks also usually came with a sturdy leather case. The top of the case opened so that the internal workings of the clock could be viewed, and the front covering over the beveled glass could be opened so the time could be seen. Unlike the small portable timepieces of today, carriage clocks were larger in size so that they could house the spring-driven mechanism.
Antique carriage clocks can be broken down to four specific types: plain, engraved, paneled, and miniature. As the name implies, the plain variety appear rather ordinary. They are made of plain brass, and they have a white enamel dial so that the dial hands can easily be seen. The dial hands are crafted from blued steel, a process which protects the metal from rust and results in a bluish-black appearance.
Plain carriage clocks later began to be engraved in detail with flowers, birds and other wildlife, and outdoor scenes. Most often the entire case was engraved, and the carrying handle was usually very ornamental as well. Engraved antique carriage clocks are usually of higher quality than plain ones and commonly have a repeating mechanism that chimes hourly, every half hour, or quarterly. Some of the engraved carriage clocks were also designed with temperature functions and could even chime songs. In addition, the engraved antique carriage clock has an alarm dial and a dial to display the day of the month.
The highest quality antique carriage clocks are the paneled ones. The cases were paneled with enamel and porcelain on three sides. Paneled carriage clocks are more fragile than the plain and engraved ones, and today they are prized by collectors because they are difficult to find in good condition. Because these carriage clocks were designed for visual appeal, they may even sport gemstones, but they have plain dials and no extras such as repeater functions.
Miniature carriage clocks are a mere three or four inches tall. Due to the fact that the cases are so fragile and the small dials were crafted from enamel, they damage easily. Because they are so ornate and delicate, collectors today will often pay a substantial price for one in working condition. Furthermore, these miniature versions do not have repeater functions or extra dials.
Carriage clocks went out of style during the 1930’s when clocks with quartz movement were introduced. Because quartz clocks were less expensive, people ceased to pay such a high price for carriage clocks. Today antique carriage clocks are highly coveted for their beauty and are viewed as works of art. Collectors frequent estate sales and antique shops to find them, and they are often displayed in homes on bookcases or as mantel pieces.
