Carriage clock - Metal - 1900-1910 - Junghans

Overview

This is an impressive Junghans German mechanical musical alarm carriage clock, dating to around 1900. It features the classic portable carriage-clock form with a folding top handle, metal case and richly embossed gilt-tone front panel, giving the piece a strong turn-of-the-century European appearance.

The aged warm-toned dial features large black Arabic numerals, central hour and minute hands, a 60-scale subsidiary dial above and a 1–12 alarm-setting dial below. The naturally aged dial contrasts beautifully with the elaborate scrolling decoration surrounding it.

A particularly important feature is the mechanical music-box alarm mechanism. A pinned musical cylinder and metal comb are visible inside the case, making this considerably more interesting than a conventional mechanical alarm clock.

The principal highlights are the early Junghans construction, the unusual music-box alarm mechanism and the retained winding key.

Technical and condition details

Brand: Junghans

Type: Mechanical musical alarm carriage clock

Approximate period: Circa 1900, approximately 1890–1910

Origin: Schramberg, Germany

Winding: Manual key winding

Functions: Mechanical time display, alarm setting and music-box alarm mechanism. The mainsprings are currently fully wound, but the clock itself is not running. The alarm and musical mechanism have not been fully tested and their operation is therefore not guaranteed.

Dial layout: Central hour and minute hands, upper 60-scale subsidiary dial and lower 1–12 alarm-setting dial

Dial: Naturally aged warm-tone dial with large black Arabic numerals and Junghans star trademark

Case: Portable carriage-style metal case with folding top handle, embossed gilt-tone front panel, glazed side panels and hinged rear access door

Movement: Traditional mechanical movement with separate spring systems and rear controls for regulation, time, alarm and musical mechanism. The movement carries the Junghans star trademark. A separate mechanical music-box system with pinned cylinder and metal comb is mounted within the case.

Dimensions:
Height approx. 15 cm
Length approx. 12 cm
Width approx. 8 cm

Accessories: Winding key included, with storage fitting on the inside of the rear door.

Condition:

Overall in good antique condition with age-related wear. The metal case shows surface marks, oxidation, patina and areas of plating wear consistent with its considerable age.

The dial has developed an attractive natural aged tone while the numerals and scales remain clearly visible. The embossed gilt-tone decorative panels retain strong detail and contribute greatly to the period appearance.

The mechanical movement and music-box mechanism remain present and visually complete. Both spring systems are fully wound, but the clock is currently not running, and professional inspection or servicing is recommended.

Collector’s highlights
Early Junghans German carriage clock dating to around 1900.
Unusual mechanical music-box alarm, retaining its pinned cylinder and musical comb.
Highly decorative embossed front panel combined with a beautifully aged Arabic-numeral dial.
Winding key included, adding to the completeness and display appeal of the set.
Final note

Photos form an important part of the description and may show details more clearly than text. Please review all images carefully and assess the item accordingly.