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Many People Are Still In Love with Carriage Clocks

By Albert Kessnerr

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 Short 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 continues to be one of the most popular clocks of all time. Its popularity has only increased over the years, and many people display these clocks lovingly in prominent places like mantel tops and in display cases in their homes. Just 30 or 40 years ago, original clocks were easy to obtain. They are now far more difficult to find, since they are considered a collector's item. There are replicas of the original Carriage Clock available, and many are so true to the original that it's difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.

Many companies sell replicas of this clock exactly as it was from the early days. The same Roman numerals and the white enamel face recall memories of days gone by. This type is the most popular of the clocks. It is called an Anglaise and was produced by the French who were trying to cater to the tastes of the English. Today it is replicated due to the popularity it enjoyed in earlier years.

More than one hundred years later, many people are still in love with Carriage Clocks. You'll find enthusiasts browsing estate sales and antique shops in search of these clocks. In spite of the many years that have passed, they are still a sign of fashionably good taste. When the hunt for an original Carriage Clock is unsuccessful, many people opt to buy a replica that resembles the original as much as possible. This clock has been sought after for more than a century, and will likely remain popular for many years to come.

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