Antique Carriage Clocks - Collector's Notes
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If you are a clock collector then you know that no collection would be complete without an assortment of antique carriage clocks.
There are many different styles and sizes to be found. Many of the clocks were created out of different materials. Most carriage clocks were made from brass or what is called gilded brass. The clocks included porcelain faces with a glass cover for protection. They included leather carrying cases for traveling.
Today, you may come across one with the original case, but it is highly rare if you do. Some of the encasements for antique carriage clocks may be made of tortoiseshell, sterling silver, brass, oak, cherry, mahogany and other beautifully decorated materials. They can range from very basic and plain to delicately ornate in nature.
Something that antique carriage clocks have in common is the repeating chime. It chimes hourly and can range from just a chime sound to playing notes, chords and simple songs. Some of the French Carriage clocks can also be referred to as striking clocks, alarm clocks or combinations of the two. The most valuable clocks are the repeaters. They strike the time once and when a button is pushed, it will repeat the time again by sounding bells and gongs.
The faces of the clocks are usually a cream-colored or white porcelain which helps the numbers and hour and minute hands stand out to be read easily. Some of the clocks use Roman numerals and other use the standard Arabic numbers.
There are many manufacturers of carriage clocks today. They do a very good job of carrying on the tradition of the antique carriage clocks from the early 19th century. From Bullova to F.A. Gluck to Sligh, you will find a huge variety of beautiful carriage clocks ranging in price from around $900 to over $5,000. The work is ornate and beautifully crafted.
Modern carriage clocks do a very good job of trying to emulate the antiques. However, there is no substitute for an actual antique carriage clock. You may find them in all sorts of places such as Internet auctions, yard sales, newspapers ads, and bazaars. Some people may not realize the value that they have.
Whether an antique carriage clock makes a wonderful addition to your collection or you are just finding it beautiful and interesting enough to display in your home, you will find that it will bring great joy to you and those around you.
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