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(From Irish Independent)

BronzeTo the untrained eye bronze can sometimes be confused with tarnished brass or even spelter, a lightweight alloy used during the second half of the nineteenth century.

The French specialised in animal bronzes and these became very popular from about1830 to the end of the 19 century. Other countries which turned out animal and othersmall bronzes included Britain, Russia, Germany and Italy. These are often signed orinitialled by the sculptor and are very collectable.

Bronze is a heavy material, but modern technology has produced a bronze-like resin which can appear to be genuine bronze when weighted inside with lead. The reproductions of small animals and figures in this material can be seen in Dublin shops and the prices are quite low.

Carriage ClocksThe portable antique carriage clock was designed to withstand the rough roads encountered by wealthy travellers. It has a small brass case, average height about 5-6inches, with three bevelled glass sides, an oval glass top, and a prominent carryinghandle. The carriage clock is one of the classic timepieces.

Because of their popularity they were almost mass-produced by the Victorians, long after the original need for them had disappeared. Today they are often used as mantel clocks.

The carriage clock was probably originated by a Frenchman called Abraham Louis Breguet. The first example, which included a calendar and temperature device, appearedabout 1810 and was called 'pendule de voyage'. Sometimes carriage clocks had theirown wooden or leather travelling cases to protect them from the bumpy journeys on the unpaved roads.

When they became popular, the mainsprings, escapements, dials, hands and other parts were made by specialists and assembled in provincial towns. They would then be sent toParis where they would be fitted into cases - also made by specialists - sometimesdecorated with porcelain or enamel panels bought from factories around Limoges or Paris. The clock would then be signed by the 'maker'!

 

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