Brass carriage clocks are timepieces that have been around since the 19th Century, during the period where people still made use of horse drawn carriages for transportation. Since people never wore wristwatches during that era, they used brass carriage clocks to keep track of time. The clocks were durable in order to withstand the difficulty of long trips by land or by sea, and to resist the strain of different weather conditions.
Aside from the clock’s sturdiness, it is also elegant and classy. It has ornate and detailed features like gemstones, inlaid enamel, porcelain and foliage. It contains a glass window that makes it clear to read and though the hands are frequently painted black, the porcelain face is usually painted with natural scenes. It is also equipped to play songs and to chime at every hour. In some cases, the top of the clock includes a large resonant bell which is rung every hour or half hour.
Brass carriage clocks were considered as a sign of status since they were especially made for the upper classes who were the only ones who could afford to travel often and to take such luxuries with them. Fortunately for those of us who were not born with the wealth of the upper class, mass production of the clocks became possible in the 1830’s, making the carriage clock more widely available to others. Around the end of the 1860’s, brass carriage clocks became common as presents during special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and also for political and royal celebrations.
Unfortunately, with the increased popularity of wristwatches, Brass carriage clocks became a thing of the past. At present, it is mainly used as decorative mantle pieces that add beauty and elegance to homes commonly with an antique setting; although it could also be used as a decoration for modern set-homes because of its distinctive elegance. Some use it as a collection piece that is passed on from generation to generation. It is also an excellent gift idea for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Despite being considered a thing of the past, the clocks are still sold in a lot of online and antique shops. Though it was replaced by modern clocks, with regards to popularity, the brass carriage clock’s beauty, elegance and distinctiveness could never be replaced by the modern and digital clocks of today.
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