According to French and English horologists, modern carriage clocks, also known as traveling clocks, first came into existence in 1798. A.L. Breguet was responsible for the construction, as well as the sale of this first clock. It was sold to Napoleon in that same year in Paris, France. It is also said that Napoleon required his soldiers to carry these type of clocks so they would never be late for battle.
Traveling clocks were initially designed for travelers to use as a time piece while traveling in carriages drawn by horses. It was essentially a portable clock. The design of the original version of this particular clock was a spring driven mechanism that was encased with a metal frame and a glass setting. For ease in carrying, there was a handle located on the top of the clocks. The clocks had to be wound with a key about once every eight days.
The original clocks were spring-driven and contained in a metal case with a glass window in order for the owner to be able to view the clock face. A top mounted handle provided a way for anyone to easily carry the clock. Owners simply had to wind the clock with the key that was provided, and the clock would run for approximately eight days. Some had chimes or music that played to mark the hour. Others contained a bell that rang loudly to mark the passage of time.
Many of these restorations, as well as original clocks, have found their way into the homes of those decorating with antiques. The four countries noted for the collectible Carriage Clocks they produce are France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. The French clocks were noted for being especially elaborate. They are usually placed on the fireplace mantel as more of an embellishment rather than because the owners have a need for a timepiece in that particular spot.
Some of these companies have been making Carriage Clocks for many years. Companies such as Roderick Antique Clocks, Montpellier Clocks and L'Epee. These companies buy high-quality antique clocks, lovingly restore them, and sell them. Most of the clocks are chosen for style, proportions, color and originality.
The Roderick Antique Clocks Company was founded in 1975. They buy, restore and sell all types of clocks, including longcases - carriage clocks - brackets - skeleton - decorative French mantel clocks - wall clocks and barometers. The ones they deal in are mainly of English, French and German origin. At the time of this writing, they have clocks made by famous makers Jacot, Drocourt, Brocot, Le Roy, Marc, Japy Freres, Marti, Lenzkirch, Dent, Winterhalder and Hoffmier and numerous English clockmakers.
Montpellier Clocks was established in 1958, and they have built an excellent worldwide reputation for restoring quality antique clocks. They choose clocks for their authenticity and quality. Some of the clocks they currently have in stock were also made by some of the great clock makers and include E. J. Dent, Edward East, John Ellicott, William Dutton, Charles Frodsham, George Graham, Henry Hindley, Windmills and Whitehurst and many others. When necessary, they are faithfully restored by their highly-qualified clock makers.
There is one company that has been in business much longer than Montpellier or Roderick. It is called L'Epee, and it came into existence in nineteenth century France, in 1839. Their original purpose was making movements, then escapements. Then, Carriage Clocks in their entirety were made in the L'Epee workshop. In 1999, the workshop was relocated to England as a result of being purchased by London clockmakers, F. A. Gluck. Currently, L'Epee continues to produce quality and precise carriage clocks that have the advantage of modern technology on their side.
No related posts.
Comments on this entry are closed.