Antique Carriage Clocks

Antique carriage clocks are valuable treasures from yesterday. They stand the test of time because of their durability, and have a timeless beauty and elegance that never fades despite the development of other timepieces.

They are very expensive when sold, and continue to increase in value as they become older. There are numerous shops that sell antique carriage clocks, from antique shops, online stores, auctions, and even flea markets. Carriage clocks are still produced today by clockmakers. These modern-day carriage clocks still have the beauty and elegance that antique carriage clocks possess. How then, can we differentiate antique carriage clocks from modern-day carriage clocks? Here are the characteristics of antique carriage clocks that differentiates it from modern-day carriage clocks.

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. The carriage clock was first made by Abraham Louis Breget for Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798. After that, Breguet continued to make around 90 carriage style clocks.

Other famous makers during that time are french makers Garnier, Drocourt, Jacot, Magraine, and english makers such a Vulliamy, Dent, McCabe, and Frodsham. 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. These are some steps in checking the authenticity of antique carriage clocks. But most importantly, when buying the clock, you have to make sure that the clockwork is till functioning, otherwise you may shell out a greater amount of money in having it fixed than the amount of purchase.

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