English brass carriage clock with French movement, the white dial with roman numerals marked "Drew & Sons London Made in Paris", complete with integrated winder key as well as key for setting time, with hinged handle, late 19th century. The firm of retail jewellers Drew and Sons was based at Piccadilly Circus from 1887 until 1914 when they moved to premises in Regent Street. They also had premises at Leadenhall Street in London from 1888-1914 and also at Kings Road in Brighton from 1894.
Carriage clocks, or ‘Officers’ clocks as they are sometimes known, were first developed for Napoleon Bonaparte between 1798 and 1812 by Abraham-Louis Breguet. The clock cases are simple in form for ease of transport and are usually made of plain or gilt brass in a rectangular shape with a carrying handle and inset with glass, or on occasion enamel or porcelain panels. The balance spring used to drive the clock replaced the pendulum needed in earlier larger bracket clocks. These small spring-driven clocks were designed for travelling and sometimes came encased in leather or leather-covered wood cases which would protect the clock in transport. It is rare today to find the clock and leather cover intact as time has often deteriorated the leather or the clock and cover have become separated over time. In the past carriage clocks were a traditional gift to retiring or long-serving staff.
Size: 5.5 h x 2.87 w x 2.25 d
H21379
