Table/desk clock - Brass - 1880-1920

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

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

CHARACTERISTICS

Type: Travel/Desk alarm clock
Estimated period: Late 19th century – early 20th century
Movement: Manual-winding mechanical
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second hand and alarm
Case: Gold/brass metal
Format: Rectangular
Handle: Top hinged
Dial: White
Numerals: Black Roman numerals
Minute track: Peripheral scale from 0 to 60 minutes
Hands: Dark/black metal
Alarm: Independent subsidiary dial located at 6 o’clock
Crystals: Front and rear/upper panels transparent
Mechanism: Partially visible through rear and upper panels
Brand: No maker’s signature visible in the available photographs
Origin: Not determined

DIAL

The frontal composition is especially striking for its classic design.
The main dial features large black Roman numerals, accompanied by an external minute scale numbered five by five up to 60.

At the bottom lies a second circular dial intended for alarm regulation, numbered 1 to 12 and equipped with its own indicator hand.

The dial retains an interesting 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 conservation state and can be clearly observed in the photographs.

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT

The clock uses a fully mechanical movement, with no electrical components or battery.
At the rear you can see the components for winding and adjusting the clock and the alarm system, as well as various mechanism parts.

The glazed upper panel allows viewing the regulator organ, adding visual appeal to the set and showing part of the clock’s mechanical construction.
Blueing screws, gears, springs and plates visible preserve an attractive antique appearance.

ALARM SYSTEM

A key feature of this piece is its independent alarm mechanism.
Alarm time is set via the small subsidiary dial at the bottom of the front. The mechanism has its own winding system, separate from the one that keeps the clock running.
Inside the base there is also a circular metal bell, used as the audible element of the alarm.

CASE AND CONSTRUCTION

The case presents a classical-inspired rectangular architecture, made of brass or gold-toned metal, with vertical fluted side panels and a slightly widened base for stability.

At the top it features an elegant, fold-out handle, characteristic of travel or carriage clocks, allowing easy transport of the clock.

Spherical finials and upper moldings reinforce its historicist aesthetics.
The combination of gold-toned metal, white dial, Roman numerals and transparent crystals gives the set a particularly attractive decorative presence.

CONDITION

Old piece preserved in its original-used state, with abundant signs consistent with its considerable age.
The case shows patina, surface oxidation, darkening, small stains, scratches and wear to the gold finish, especially visible on the base, moldings and rear area.
The dial shows dirt, small marks and aging, as well as the diagonal fissure visible in its upper-left sector.

The inner mechanical elements show patina, dirt and surface oxidation typical of an aged 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 running accuracy are not guaranteed without prior inspection.
As this is an antique clock with unknown maintenance history, a check, cleaning and lubrication by a clockmaker specialized in antique clocks is recommended before continued use.
Likewise, the proper operation of the alarm mechanism should be checked individually.

DIMENSIONS

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

DATING

Due to its construction, aesthetics, Roman numerals, brass case with a top handle and mechanical conception, the piece aligns with the European travel alarm clocks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As no maker’s signature, serial number or clearly identifiable brand is visible in the photographs, it is not attributed to a specific manufacturer nor is an exact year of manufacture established.

SALES DESCRIPTION

Magnificent antique Mechanical travel/desk alarm clock, probably made between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century.

Features an elegant rectangular brass/gold-toned metal case, a folding top handle, and glazed panels that allow viewing part of its mechanism.
White dial with a classic design, large black Roman numerals, outer minute track and central second hand. The lower part includes a second independent dial numbered 1 to 12 for selecting the alarm time.
Fully mechanical manual-wind movement, with separate winding and regulation systems for the clock and alarm. At the base you can observe the corresponding metal bell for the audible alarm.
Preserves a magnificent antique patina, with wear, oxidation, 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 great decorative presence and special appeal for collectors of antique clocks, travel clocks, scientific and mechanical objects, European antiquities and classic decor.

Sold exactly in the condition shown in the photographs. No attribution to a specific manufacturer, as no identifying signature is visible. Its maintenance history is unknown and precision or continued operation are not guaranteed without specialized review.