Bevelled Glass Clock Case
A bevelled glass clock case houses precision timepieces in frames of brass and crystal, offering a clear view of intricate internal movements.
Bevelled Glass Clock Case
A bevelled glass clock case encloses portable and mantel timepieces, most frequently taking the form of carriage clocks and four-glass mantel clocks originating from the nineteenth century.
The objects span Victorian British production and French workshops, utilising transparent panes with angled edges to showcase the escapement and dial from multiple angles.
Materials and construction methods
These enclosures rely on substantial brass and gilt brass castings, shaped into corniche, gorge, or serpentine configurations to support heavy glass panes.
Glass panels feature carefully ground bevelled edges that catch the light, fitted securely into metal rebates alongside enamel dials and steel components.
Bevelled Glass Clock Case Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for bevelled glass clock case among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some maritime-themed models incorporate working ships wheels inside the glass case, proving that nineteenth-century timekeepers enjoyed a nautical hobby.
Factors distinguishing quality
Superior examples display crisp casting and fine hand-engraving across the brass framework, whereas simpler housings remain plain or unadorned.
The precision of the glass bevelling and the thickness of the brass plate dictate the structural integrity and visual weight of the overall housing.
Samuel Marti·Drocourt·Delépine·Joseph Soldano·Richard & Co
The Bevelled Glass Clock Case Glossary
- Bevelled glass
- A pane of glass with an angled edge ground along the perimeter. This treatment refracts light and adds decorative depth to the housing.
- Gorge case
- A traditional carriage clock case style characterised by stepped mouldings at the top and base. It represents a classic nineteenth-century French design.
- Corniche case
- A rectangular brass clock housing featuring simple pillared corners and a flat top. This form provides a clean view of the internal movement.
- Enamel dial
- A metallic face coated with fused glass powder and fired to create a smooth white surface. Numerals are subsequently painted and re-fired for permanence.
- Gilt brass
- Brass coated with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured alloy. This finish protects the underlying metal from tarnishing while providing a bright appearance.
Bevelled Glass Clock Case: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a four glass clock?
A four glass clock is a mantel timepiece enclosed entirely by glass panels on the front, back, and sides. This design reveals the pendulum and movement workings from all angles.
Such clocks often feature rouge marble bases and decorative elements like ships wheels, typically dating from the nineteenth century.
How do I identify a carriage clock case?
A carriage clock case is a portable brass housing fitted with a folding handle at the top and glass panels on the sides. These protective frames were originally designed for travel.
They appear in various forms, including miniature editions, engraved gorge styles, and standard corniche configurations.
Where were these clocks made?
The pieces recorded here originate primarily from nineteenth-century France and Victorian Britain. Many French makers produced high-quality brass housings in Paris.
English retailers often imported these movements and cases, sometimes adding their own signatures to the dials or mechanisms.
How do I care for brass and glass cases?
Maintain the brass framework using a soft, dry cloth to remove dust without disturbing any original gilding or lacquer. Avoid harsh chemical polishes that can damage metal surfaces.
Keep the bevelled glass clean with standard glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the case near the movement.