Carriage clock, Alarm clock - Brass - 1850-1900

TRAVEL/COUNTRY ELEGANT ANTIQUE MECHANICAL POCKET CLOCK – BRASS CASE – ROMAN DIAL – ALARM – CIRCA LATE 19TH CENTURY / EARLY 20TH

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

FEATURES

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

DIAL

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

At the bottom is 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. Also visible is a diagonal line/fissure in the upper left area, which forms part of the current state of preservation and can be clearly observed in the photographs.

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT

The clock incorporates a completely mechanical movement, with no electrical components or battery.
On the rear you can observe the components for winding and adjusting the clock and alarm system, as well as various other mechanism parts.

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

ALARM SYSTEM

A major feature of this piece is its independent alarm mechanism.
The alarm time is selected via the small subsidiary dial at the bottom of the front. The mechanism has its own winding system, separate from that which powers the clock movement.
Inside the base one can also see a circular metal bell, used as the audible element of the alarm.

CASE AND CONSTRUCTION

The case presents a rectilinear, classically inspired architecture, made of gold-toned brass or similar metal, with vertical side mouldings and a slightly widened base for stability.

At the top there is an elegant folding handle typical of travel or carriage clocks, enabling easy transport.

The rounded caps and upper mouldings reinforce its historicist aesthetic.
The combination of gold-toned metal, white dial, Roman numerals and transparent panels gives the whole piece a particularly attractive decorative presence.

CONDITION

Antique piece kept in its original used state, with abundant signs corresponding to its 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/line 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.

All of this is preserved as part of the piece’s historical character and can be observed in detail in the photographs.

OPERATION

The mechanical condition and rate accuracy are not guaranteed without prior inspection.
Because this is an antique clock and its maintenance history is unknown, a service, cleaning and lubrication by a clockmaker specialized in antique horology is recommended before continued use.
Likewise, the correct functioning of the alarm mechanism should be checked individually.

DIMENSIONS

Exact measurements not available.
From the proportions seen in the photographs, this is a compact desk/travel clock. For publication purposes with maximum precision, it is advisable to add measurements taken physically of:
Total height without 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 design, the piece aligns with the European travel alarm clocks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Since no maker’s mark, serial number or identifiable manufacturer label is clearly visible in the photographs, it is not attributed to a specific manufacture nor assigned a precise year of production.

DESCRIPTION FOR SALE

Magnificent antique mechanical travel/desk alarm clock, likely manufactured between the late 19th century and the first decades of the 20th.

Features an elegant rectangular brass/gold-toned metal case, folding top handle and glass panels that permit viewing part of its mechanism.

Classic white dial with large black Roman numerals, outer minute scale and central seconds hand. The bottom houses a second independent dial numbered 1 to 12 for selecting the alarm hour.

Fully mechanical manual-wind movement, with independent winding and regulation systems for clock and alarm. At the base the corresponding metal bell of the alarm mechanism is visible.

Preserves a superb 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/line in the upper left area.

A striking piece with strong decorative presence and special appeal for collectors of antique horology, travel clocks, scientific and mechanical objects, European antiques and classic decoration.

Sold exactly in the condition shown in the photographs. No attribution to a specific manufacturer as no identifying signature is evident. Maintenance history is unknown and precision or continued operation are not guaranteed without specialist review.