What is the difference between striking and repeating?

A striking clock sounds the hours or half-hours automatically as time passes. The mechanism counts out the correct number of blows corresponding to the current hour. A repeating function allows the owner to press a button or pull a cord at any time to make the clock sound the last elapsed hour or quarter-hour on demand.

Where should I place a carriage clock?

Place your carriage clock on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, drafts, and sources of heat or moisture. Mantelpieces and sturdy wooden sideboards are traditional locations. Avoid high-traffic shelves where the clock might be easily knocked, as delicate balance wheels and escapements require a stable environment.

How do I identify the age of a clock?

Examine the style of the case, the materials used, and any signatures or serial numbers engraved on the movement backplate. Different eras favoured distinct cabinet woods, dial designs, and architectural proportions. Maker signatures often allow cross-referencing with historical records to narrow down the decade of manufacture. Movement construction techniques also evolve from early verge escapements to later platform escapements.