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.
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 posses. How then, can we differentiate the antique carriage clock from the modern-day carriage clock? Here are the characteristics of the antique carriage clock that differentiates it from the modern-day carriage clock.
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 1850's, the brass fames were constructed out of several pieces. They 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.
Unlike the modern carriage clocks that make use of batteries or quartz, the antique carriage clocks are powered by a spring mechanism. It could only tell the time for eight days. After which, it needs to be rewound by a key so that it could accurately tell the time again. Because of its intricate spring mechanism, the antique carriage clock is more expensive than the modern version.
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.
You may find a serial number on the clock, 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 an antique carriage clock. But the most important thing is to make sure that the clockwork of the clock is still working, or else you may spend much more in getting it fixed than the amount of purchase.
