What is a “Carriage clock” and why give it to a lady leaving work instead of $200 pounds, poster board card?
A carriage clock is a small, spring-driven clock, designed for travelling, developed in the early 19th century in France. The case, usually plain or gilt-brass, is rectangular with a carrying handle and often set with glass or more rarely enamel or porcelain panels. A feature of carriage clocks is the platform escapement, sometimes visible through a glazed aperture on the top of the case. I think this answers both of your questions. It is used for travel and they are usually beautiful.
