Brass carriage clocks are elegant timepieces that were popular during the 19th Century, when people still rode horse drawn carriages. They were used to keep track of time since most people during that time never wore wristwatches. These clocks were made to withstand the demands and the endeavors of long trips either by land or by sea, and to resist the rigors of various weather conditions.
Aside from the clock’s sturdiness, it is also elegant and classy. It has ornate and detailed features like gemstones, inlaid enamel, porcelain and foliage. It contains a glass window that makes it clear to read and though the hands are frequently painted black, the porcelain face is usually painted with natural scenes. It is also equipped to play songs and to chime at every hour. In some cases, the top of the clock includes a large resonant bell which is rung every hour or half hour.
Brass carriage clocks were considered as a sign of status since they were especially made for the upper classes who were the only ones who could afford to travel often and to take such luxuries with them. Fortunately for those of us who were not born with the wealth of the upper class, mass production of the clocks became possible in the 1830's, making the carriage clock more widely available to others. Around the end of the 1860's, brass carriage clocks became common as presents during special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and also for political and royal celebrations.
Unfortunately, with the dawn of wristwatches, brass carriage clocks lost its luster. Currently, it is primarily used as a decorative mantle piece in antique-set homes, though, modern-set homes also make use of it because of its distinctive beauty and elegance. Others collect the clocks as heirloom that is passed on from generation to generation. It is also an excellent gift for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Despite being considered a thing of the past, the clocks are still sold in a lot of online and antique shops. Though it was replaced by modern clocks, with regards to popularity, the brass carriage clock's beauty, elegance and distinctiveness could never be replaced by the modern and digital clocks of today.
