Preliminary identification

Tiffany & Co. 'Portfolio' Brass Carriage-Style Desk Clock

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a classic brass-cased desk clock from Tiffany & Co.'s celebrated 'Portfolio' collection. Designed with architectural columns flanking a clean, white Roman numeral dial, it updates the traditional 19th-century carriage clock for the modern executive desk.

Story

In the 1980s, Tiffany & Co. launched the 'Portfolio' line to bring their legendary luxury to daily business life. This clock sat on the desks of high-flying executives during an era of power suits and Wall Street booms.

Maker / Origin

Founded in New York in 1837, Tiffany & Co. evolved from a 'fancy goods' store into an arbiter of global taste. Their horological history is prestigious; they partnered with Patek Philippe in 1851 and have produced some of the world's most coveted timepieces.

Condition & Value

The brass case shows minor surface dust and light oxidation consistent with age. The crystal appears clear, but the movement must be tested with a fresh battery to ensure no internal acid damage from old batteries. Working condition is paramount to reaching the higher end of the value range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.