Carriage clocks are typically clocks of a moderate size and they tend to be rather rectangular in shape. They are specifically designed to be sturdy in the face of long trips, whether you are traveling by land or by sea, and they are specifically intended to avoid being broken by the roughness of travel. They saw their primary use during the 19th century, when people carried them with them on trips by carriage and that is where they got there name.
Highly fashionable around the end of the 1860s, they became common as presents during special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and also political and royal celebrations.
Even though it was simply categorized as merely travel clocks (for the most part), its actually a little larger than conventional travel timekeeping devices. Theyre designed that way so as to house and protect the spring driven mechanisms inside the clock.
What should you look for when you are looking at carriage clocks? In the first place, let’s take a look at the casing. The cases are usually made out of bright strong metal, like polished silver or brass, and you’ll find that the clear glass front makes the clock very easy to read. While the clock’s hands are usually stark black, the porcelain face is often painted with lovely pastoral scenes. The form or face of the clock might also be decorated with lovely fanciful figures. One of the clear marks of a carriage clock is the carrying handle, which makes it particularly easy to hold or to hang up.
One of the notable features of the carriage clock is the chime, which is how the clock informs you of the hours. There are a wide array of notes and chords and you may even find that some clock models will play songs. Sometimes there are very clear bells that you may hear as well.
When you are looking at carriage clocks, you’ll find that there are many options when you are looking at elaborate features. You may easily see inlaid enamel stamped scrolling, beautifully etched porcelain and even gemstones. Also look for scrolling leaf and branch designs.
When you look at a lovely carriage clock, you will be struck by how gorgeously classy they are. You’ll find that they not only function as timepieces but they will also be great as decorations for your mantel or your shelf. If you have a home that is decorated in a traditional manner, they can end up looking quite appropriate.
When you are looking at the types of clocks that you might be able to take advantage of, take a look at the mechanisms. While some are driven by springs, others are completely driven by quartz movements. You may wish to find a clear glass clock that allows you to take a look inside the housing for the workings of the clock’s interior.
These days, you can order these carriage clocks online, although a lot are still sold in actual shops. Many companies have had a lot of experience in crafting these fine classical clocks. Some of the companies have even been making them for more than a hundred years. You can certainly be assured that these (modern) classical clocks are still much the same as their predecessors.
