Table/desk clock - Brass - 1880-1920

OLD TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK – MECHANICAL – BRASS CASE – ROMAN DIAL – ALARM – CIRCA LATE 19th CENTURY / EARLY 20th

Elegant antique mechanical travel alarm clock, made in a characteristic rectangular gold/brass metal case, with a hinged top handle and glass panels that allow viewing part of its mechanism.
An attractive decorative timepiece, of classical aesthetic, with a main white dial featuring black Roman numerals, outer minute track, and a separate subsidiary dial for the alarm.
The set retains a pronounced patina of age that enhances its historic character.

FEATURES

Type: Travel/Desk alarm clock
Estimated era: Late 19th century – early 20th century
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second hand, and alarm
Case: Gold/brass metal
Format: Rectangular
Handle: Hinged upper handle
Dial: White
Numerals: Black Roman numerals
Minute scale: Outer ring 0 to 60 minutes
Hands: Dark metallic/black
Alarm: Independent subsidiary dial located at 6 o’clock
Crystals: Front and rear/upper transparent panels
Mechanism: Partially visible through rear and upper panels
Brand: No manufacturer’s signature discernible in available photographs
Origin: Not determined

DIAL
The frontal composition is especially attractive for its classic design.
The main dial features large black Roman numerals, accompanied by an outer minute scale numbered in fives up to 60.

At the bottom lies a second circular dial intended for alarm regulation, numbered 1 through 12 and equipped with its own indicator hand.
The dial retains an interesting natural patina, with small spots, surface dirt, and signs of age. A diagonal line/ crack is visible in the upper left area, part of the current state of conservation and clearly observable in the photographs.

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT
The clock incorporates a fully mechanical movement, with no electrical components or battery.
At the back you can observe the elements for winding and adjusting the clock and the alarm system, as well as different components of the mechanism.

The upper glass-covered panel allows viewing the regulator organ, adding an appealing feature and showing part of the clock’s mechanical construction.
Blue screws, gears, springs and plates visible retain an attractive antique appearance.

ALARM SYSTEM
A key feature of this piece is its independent alarm mechanism.
Alarm time is chosen using the small subsidiary dial located at the bottom of the front. The mechanism has its own winding system, separate from that which powers the clock’s movement.
Inside the base you can also see a circular metal bell, used as the audible element of the alarm.

CASE AND CONSTRUCTION
The case presents a classical rectangular architecture, made of brass or golden-toned metal, with vertical mouldings on the sides and a slightly widened base for stability.
At the top there is an elegant folding handle, characteristic of travel clocks or carriage clocks, enabling easy transport.
The spherical finials and upper mouldings reinforce its historicist aesthetics.
The combination of golden metal, white dial, Roman numerals and transparent crystals gives the piece a striking decorative presence.

CONDITION
Antique item preserved in its original used state, with abundant signs consistent with considerable age.
The case shows patina, superficial oxidation, darkening, small spots, scratches and wear to the gilded finish, especially visible on the base, mouldings and rear area.
The dial shows dirt, small spots and aging, in addition to the diagonal crack clearly visible in the upper left quadrant.
The inner mechanical elements show patina, dirt and superficial oxidation typical of an old mechanism that does not appear to have been recently restored.
The crystals also show signs of use and dirt.
All of this is preserved as part of the piece’s historical character and can be seen in detail in the photographs.

OPERATION
The mechanical condition and rate accuracy are not guaranteed without prior inspection.
As this is an antique clock with an unknown maintenance history, a service, cleaning and lubrication by a clockmaker specialized in antique horology is recommended before continued use.
Likewise, the alarm mechanism should be tested individually for proper operation.

DIMENSIONS
Exact measurements not available.
From observed proportions in the photographs, this is a compact desk/travel clock. For publication with maximum precision, it is advisable to include measurements taken physically of:
Total height without the handle: approx. to be determined
Height with handle raised: approx. to be determined
Width: approx. to be determined
Depth: approx. to be determined
Weight: to be determined

DATING
Based on its construction, aesthetics, Roman numerals, brass case with top handle, and mechanical conception, the piece aligns with the European travel alarm clocks tradition from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Since no clearly identifiable signature, serial number or maker’s mark is visible in the photographs, it is not attributed to a specific manufacturer nor assigned an exact year of production.

DESCRIPTIVE NOTES FOR SALE
Magnificent antique mechanical travel/desk alarm clock, probably manufactured between the late 19th century and the early 20th century.
Features an elegant rectangular brass or gold-toned case, folding top handle and glass panels that allow viewing part of its mechanism.
Classic white dial with large black Roman numerals, outer minute track and central second hand. At the bottom it includes a separate independent dial numbered 1 to 12 for selecting the alarm time.
Fully mechanical hand-wound movement, with independent winding and regulation systems for clock and alarm. The base shows the corresponding metal bell for the audible alarm.
Keeps a magnificent antique patina, with wear, oxidation, spots, scratches and signs of use consistent with its age. The dial shows aging and a clearly visible diagonal crack in the upper left area.
A piece with strong decorative presence and particular appeal for collectors of antique horology, travel clocks, scientific and mechanical objects, European antiques and classical decor.

Sale is for the item exactly as shown in the photographs. No attribution to a specific manufacturer due to the lack of a clearly identifying signature. Maintenance history is unknown and precision or continued operation are not guaranteed without specialized servicing.