Table/desk clock - Brass - 1880-1920

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

Elegant antique mechanical travel alarm clock, made in a distinctive rectangular brass/gold-toned metal case, with a hinged top handle and glass panels that allow view of part of its mechanism.
An attractive decorative timepiece, in a classic aesthetic, with a main dial featuring Roman numerals, outer minute track, and an independent subsidiary dial for the alarm.
The piece retains a pronounced antique patina that enhances its historic character.

FEATURES

Type: Travel/Desk alarm clock
Estimated era: Late 19th century – early 20th century
Movement: Manual-wind mechanical
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second hand, and alarm
Case: Gold-colored brass/metal
Format: Rectangular
Handle: Top hinged
Dial: White
Numerals: Black Roman numerals
Minute scale: Outer ring 0–60 minutes
Hands: Dark metal/black
Alarm: Independent subsidiary dial located at 6 o’clock
Crystals: Front and rear/top clear panels
Mechanism: Partially visible through rear and top panels
Brand: No maker’s signature discernible in available photos
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 is a second circular dial for alarm regulation, numbered 1 to 12 and equipped with its own indicator hand.
The dial retains an attractive natural patina, with small stains, surface dirt, and signs of aging. There is also a diagonal line/fissure visible in the upper left area, which is part of the current state of conservation and can be clearly seen in the photographs.

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT
The clock employs a fully mechanical movement, with no electrical components or battery.
At the rear you can observe the elements for winding and adjusting the clock and the alarm system, as well as various components of the mechanism.
The glass-covered top panel allows viewing the regulator organ, adding an attractive feature and showing part of the clock’s mechanical construction.
Blue screws, gears, springs, and plates visible preserve an appealing antique appearance.

ALARM SYSTEM
A primary feature of this piece is its independent alarm mechanism.
The alarm time is set via the small subsidiary dial on the lower front. The mechanism has its own winding system, separate from the one that powers the clock itself.
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-inspired rectangular architecture, crafted in gold-toned brass/metal, with vertical fluting on the sides and a slightly widened base for stability.
At the top sits an elegant folding handle, characteristic of travel clocks or carriage clocks, allowing easy transport.
Spherical finials and upper mouldings reinforce its historicist aesthetic.
The combination of gold-toned metal, white dial, Roman numerals, and clear glass gives the piece a particularly striking decorative presence.

CONDITION
Antique piece preserved in its original state of use, with abundant signs consistent with considerable age.
The case shows patina, superficial oxidation, darkening, small stains, scratches, and wear to the gold finish, especially visible on the base, mouldings, and rear area.
The dial shows dirt, small stains, and aging, in addition to the diagonal fissure clearly visible in the upper left quadrant.
The interior 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. It does not include a key; only what is shown in the photos is included.
All of this is preserved as part of the piece’s historic character and can be seen in detail in the photographs.

OPERATION
The mechanical condition and running accuracy are not guaranteed without prior inspection.
As it is an antique clock with an unknown service history, a review, cleaning, and lubrication by a clockmaker specializing in antique horology is recommended before continued use.
Likewise, the proper functioning of the alarm mechanism should be checked individually.

DIMENSIONS
Exact measurements are not available.
From the proportions observed in the photos, this is a compact desktop/travel clock. For publication with maximum precision, add the physically measured dimensions:
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 a top handle, and mechanical conception, the piece aligns with the European travel alarm clocks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Since no maker’s signature, serial number, or clearly identifiable brand is visible in the photographs, it is not attributed to a specific manufacturer nor assigned an exact year of manufacture.

SALES DESCRIPTION
Magnificent antique mechanical travel/desk alarm clock, likely produced between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century.
Features an elegant rectangular brass/gold-toned case, a folding top handle, and glass panels that allow viewing of part of its mechanism.
Classic white dial with large black Roman numerals, outer minute scale, and central seconds hand. The bottom includes a separate inactive dial numbered 1–12 to select the alarm hour.
Fully mechanical manual-wind movement, with independent winding and regulation systems for clock and alarm. The base shows the corresponding audible bell for the alarm mechanism.
Retains a magnificent antique patina, with wear, oxidations, stains, scratches, and signs of use consistent with its age. The dial shows aging and a clearly visible diagonal fissure in the upper left area.
A piece with striking decorative presence and particular appeal to collectors of antique horology, travel clocks, scientific and mechanical objects, European antiques, and classic décor.
Sold exactly in the condition shown in the photographs. No attribution to a specific manufacturer due to absence of an identifying signature. Maintenance history is unknown, and precision or continued operation are not guaranteed without specialized review.