Extra Small Gilded Engraved Bronze Carriage Clock

La Vallée Vintage Brass with Bronze Plated Carriage Clock This super small and cute carriage clock has always been very popular in the store and is also the owner's favorite. A carriage clock is a small, spring-driven clock designed for travel that was developed in France in the 19th century. The first carriage clock was invented by Abraham-Louis Bréguet in 1812 for Emperor Napoleon. The boxes were usually plain or gilded, rectangular in shape with handles, and often inlaid with glass and, more rarely, enamel or porcelain panels. The sizes are roughly divided into three sizes, namely Giant, Full Size and Little Darlings (ultra-small). The models in the store are exquisite Baroque ornate box-style carriage clocks, which are made by master craftsmen from La Vallée in Como, Italy. Speaking of the origins of La Vallée, it is often considered the cradle of complex watchmaking. The company's founder apprenticed in a shop in Venice that repaired clocks for aristocratic families, then moved to Como and set up a clock restoration shop and restaurant-style clock manufacturing business in 1974. La Vallée therefore turned to crafting traditional luxury clocks, made from the finest materials. Today, they specialize in designing and manufacturing custom clocks perfect for collectors or galleries. This carriage clock has a Bronze case with intricate Rococo carvings in gilded detail, a vintage-style folding handle on top, and fixed beveled glass panels on the front and sides, with the side glass allowing for viewing of the platform's escapement. The movement is handmade by Swiss watch company Matthew Norman. Year: circa 1880-1900 Material: Bronze case, gilt engraving, white dial, marked Matthew Norman, with fixing bracket. Measures approximately 4.5 x 3.5 x 6 cm and comes with key.