Carriage clock, Alarm clock - Brass - 1850-1900

ANTIQUE TRAVEL/DESK-STYLE WIND-UP MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCK IN GOLDEN BRASS CASE WITH ROMAN DIAL – CIRCA LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Elegant antique mechanical travel alarm clock, crafted in a distinctive rectangular metal gold/brass case, with a hinged top handle and glass panels that allow a view of part of the mechanism. A decorative timepiece with a classic aesthetic, featuring a main Roman numeral dial, outer minute track, and an independent subsidiary alarm dial. The piece retains a pronounced patina of age, enhancing its historical character.

FEATURES

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

DIAL

The frontal composition is particularly 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 1–12 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/crack visible in the upper left area, part of the current condition of preservation and clearly observable in the photos.

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT

The clock incorporates a fully mechanical movement, with no electrical components or battery.
On the back, you can observe the winding and adjustment elements for the clock and the alarm system, as well as various components of the mechanism.

The hinged glass panel on the top allows viewing the regulator organ, adding visual appeal and revealing part of the clock’s mechanical construction.
The blued screws, gears, springs, and plates maintain a charming antique appearance.

ALARM SYSTEM

A key feature of this piece is its independent alarm mechanism.

The alarm time is set by 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 alarm.

CASE AND CONSTRUCTION

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

At the top there is an elegant folding handle, common to travel clocks or carriage clocks, which facilitated easy transport.

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

CONDITION

Antique piece preserved in its original usage state, with abundant signs consistent with considerable age.

The case shows patina, superficial oxidation, darkening, small stains, scratches, and wear of the gilded finish, especially visible on the base, mouldings and rear area.
The dial shows dirt, small stains and aging, plus the diagonal crack visible in the upper left sector.

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 remains as part of the piece’s historical character and can be seen in detail in the photographs.

OPERATION

Mechanical condition and running accuracy are not guaranteed without prior inspection.
As this is an antique clock with unknown maintenance history, it is recommended to have it checked, cleaned, and oiled by a clockmaker specializing in antique horology before continued use. Likewise, the alarm mechanism should be tested for proper operation individually.

DIMENSIONS

Exact measurements are not available. Based on the proportions in the photographs, this is a compact desk/travel clock. For publication purposes requiring maximum precision, please add measurements taken physically:
Total height without the 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

DATED

Based on its construction, aesthetics, Roman numerals, brass case with a top handle, and mechanical conception, the piece corresponds to the European travel alarm clocks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As no maker’s mark, serial number, or clearly identifiable brand is visible in the photos, it is not attributed to a specific manufacture nor given an exact year of manufacture.

SALES DESCRIPTION

Magnificent antique travel/desk mechanical alarm clock, likely produced between the late 19th century and the early 20th century.

Features an elegant rectangular brass or gold-toned metal case, hinged top handle, and glass panels that allow a view of part of the mechanism.

Classic white dial with large black Roman numerals, outer minute scale, and central seconds hand. At the bottom, a separate, independently numbered 1–12 dial selects the alarm time.

Fully mechanical manual wind movement, with independent winding and regulation systems for the clock and alarm. The base shows the corresponding metallic alarm bell.

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 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 antiquities, and classical decor.

Sold exactly in the condition shown in the photos. No attribution to a specific maker due to the lack of an identifiable signature. Maintenance history is unknown and precision or continued operation is not guaranteed without expert review.