Duo of identical-looking carriage clocks with contrasting functioning mechanisms
In the quiet town of Quebec, Canada, an intriguing discovery was made—two seemingly identical carriage clocks, each with its own unique story. One of these timepieces hails from the German clock company, Junghans or Kienzle, while the other was crafted by the Italian maker, Fratelli Borletti.
These carriage clocks, with their subtle variations in dial numerals and base height, are a testament to the rich history of clockmaking across Europe. Carriage clocks, historically stemming from French origins, have been produced in Switzerland, England, Germany, and Italy, each region contributing its own distinctive touch to the design.
The Fratelli Borletti clock, now part of Magneti Marelli, bears Arabic numerals on its dial, a common feature in clocks from the Italian manufacturer. In contrast, the clock made by Junghans or Kienzle boasts Roman numerals, a characteristic often associated with German clocks.
Both clocks were estimated to have been made sometime after the First World War. The clock made by Fratelli Borletti, the only clock factory in Italy prior to WWI, is particularly noteworthy. Fratelli Borletti, later renamed Veglia Borletti, was renowned for producing car instruments for Fiat, Lancia, Daimler, and other automotive giants.
The two clocks share similar dimensions and function as alarm clocks, with a "second" hand at the top and a set-time indicator at the bottom section of the dial. However, they differ in their alarm mechanisms. The clock made by Junghans or Kienzle boasts a musical alarm, while the Fratelli Borletti clock features a bell type alarm, albeit with a missing striker.
The discovery of these two identical-looking carriage clocks serves as a reminder of the rich history and geographical distribution of these timepieces. As specialists identify these subtle differences as markers of origin and authenticity, these clocks offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of antique clock collecting.
- The rich history of horology is showcased through these vintage clocks, with their origin tracing back to various European countries such as France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.
- The discovery of these antique clocks, one from German clock company, Junghans or Kienzle, and the other from the Italian maker, Fratelli Borletti, adds an unique piece to the lifestyle and home-and-garden enthusiasts, particularly those interested in fashion-and-beauty antiques.
- Although both clocks share similar functions and dimensions, their differences in terms of alarm mechanisms, dial numerals, and base height, offer a captivating insight into the diverse styles of vintage clockmaking tradition across Europe.
