Many People Are Still In Love with Carriage Clocks

The Carriage Clock gets its name because it was created to be used by people traveling by carriage. As you might surmise, this was a bit of a rigorous transportation method. As a result, the clock had to be tough enough to handle the rocky ride, while still keeping good time.

A Carriage Clock isn’t very big, and the most unique thing about it is its large top handle. This is what allowed for greater portability. These sturdy clocks were made of metal, most often brass. The face of the clock was covered with glass for added protection.

A Little about the History of the Carriage Clock

During the technological advancements of clock making in the 19th century, the fad turned towards the Carriage Clock. It was a sign of being fashionable for the upper class to own a clock of this type. They were a typical part of the luggage when traveling. The mode of transportation by this time also included the train. This was another bumpy means of transportation so the clock withstood traveling by this means as well. Most of the Carriage Clocks made during this time had a leather case used for traveling.

Beginning around the 1830s, hundreds of these clocks were manufactured and exported all over the world. These were simple, well made clocks with easy-to-read Roman numerals and black hands. The face was a white enamel, making it simple to read the time. In the absence of sunlight, candle light was the primary means of lighting, so the white enamel drastically improved the clock’s visibility.

The Labor of Love

The Carriage Clock is one of the best loved clocks of it’s time. The popularity of this clock has not waned. Many people today have them on mantels or bookcases in their homes. Only 30 or 40 years ago the original clocks were easy to find, but they have become a collector’s item. This has reduced the numbers dramatically. There are replicas of the original Carriage Clock available and many are hard to discern from the real thing.

A number of companies specialize in creating exact replicas of the clock, with the same black Roman numerals and white enamel face that inspire memories of an era long past. This version of the Carriage Clock is by far the most common. It is called an Anglaise, since it was created by the French to cater to English preferences. It is the most frequently replicated style owing to its popularity during the heyday of the Carriage Clock.

Carriage Clocks are still popular, more than a hundred years after they were introduced. Clock hunters eagerly scour estate sales and antique shops in search of an original clock. Even now, these clocks are considered a sign of elegance and good taste. When the search for an authentic clock comes up empty, many people choose to purchase a replica that closely matches the original. This clock has been incredibly popular, in spite of the passing of more than a century, and it is likely to remain popular into the foreseeable future.

Tagged with: carriage clocks • Travel & Leisure

Filed under: Travel & Leisure

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