Carriage clock

Carriage clocks, specially designed for travelling, were developed in early nineteenth-century France. Their rectangular cases typically incorporate a carrying handle for easy transportation, as here. Rather than a pendulum mechanism, which might easily be damaged when on the move, the clocks have a more robust spring-driven lever escapement, which moves the hands at a steady rate. This clock belonged to the Emperor Napoleon III and its glazed top is painted in gold with his 'N' cipher. Queen Victoria, who was a close friend of the Emperor, was presented with this clock after the Emperor's death.