Antique Carriage Clock
An antique carriage clock is a modestly sized clock in a rectangular housing, designed for travel in the 19th century. Many people traveled by carriage during this time period, which means a clock had to be sturdy and dependable. These carriage clocks were extremely popular because they were able to stand up to the rigors of a carriage trip without falling.
The carriage clock was first made by Abraham Louis Breget for Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798. After that, Breguet continued to make around 90 Carriage clocks. Other famous makers during that time are french makers Garnier, Drocourt, Jacot, Magraine, and english makers such a Vulliamy, Dent, McCabe, and Frodsham.
Many antique carriage clocks that are still in great working condition are extremely valuable amongst clock collectors. Antique carriage clocks are valuable treasures from yesterday. They stand the test of time because of its durability, and it has a timeless beauty and elegance that never fades despite the development of other timepieces. They are very expensive when sold, and it continues to increase in value as it becomes older.
This magnificent example of antique carriage clocks features hand-painted porcelain panels. The final bid for this antique carriage clock at auction was $12,500.
Antique carriage clocks may be plain, engraved, or have decorated panels. Their cases are constructed with a brass frame and this can help in dating the clock. If the brass frame is a solid, one piece cast frame, then you can be certain that it is pre-1850 since after the 1850s, the brass fames were constructed out of several pieces. Antique carriage clocks are also encased in leather or leather covered wood to protect the clock but unfortunately, it is rare to find the clocks with the leather still intact because time and frequent use decayed most of them.
Antique carriage clocks, unlike the modern version that utilized batteries or quartz, are powered by a spring mechanism that could only tell the time for eight days. The spring mechanism needs to be rewound every eight days for it to accurately tell the time. The antique carriage clock is more expensive than the modern carriage clock because of its complex spring mechanism.
You may find a serial number on antique carriage clocks, mainly on the movement or on the dial. There are many sources of serial numbers that can often be attributed to specific clockmakers, which will assist in dating the clock.
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