F. Luthi Mantle Regulator
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
This 8-day going mantle regulator is attributed to F. Luthi, Horloger à Paris, dating to circa 1920. The clock features a gilt bronze molded case with four glazed faces and a glazed top, supported by four bun feet.
The interior houses the movement, which is mounted against a large, white, pyramidal stand. The dial is silvered with Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds indicator, complemented by polished steel Breguet-style hands. The brass movement is constructed with circular plates and cylindrical pillars secured by screws. It utilizes a going barrel and incorporates a Vérité constant force escapement, paired with a half-second beating invar-elinvar pendulum featuring spring suspension.
The clock measures 60 x 37.5 x 26.5 cm. The dial bears the signature of the maker. This piece is documented for its specific escapement mechanism, which references the design invented by L. A. Vérité and improved by J.-Th. Winnerl.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1920
- Type
- Mantle regulator
- Maker
- F. Luthi
- Movement
- Brass circular with cylindrical pillars
- Pendulum
- Half-second beating invar-elinvar
- Dimensions
- 60 x 37.5 x 26.5 cm
- Escapement
- Vérité constant force escapement
- Case material
- Gilt bronze
- Dial signature
- Signed on the dial
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- F. Luthi
Design
- Case and Dial
- The mantle regulator is housed in a gilt bronze case designed with a molded profile. The structure is supported by four bun feet. Visibility of the movement is provided by glazed panels on all four faces and the top of the case. Internally, the clock mechanism is mounted on a substantial white, pyramidal-shaped stand, which contrasts with the metallic finish of the case and movement components. The silvered dial displays the time through Arabic numerals. A subsidiary dial for the seconds is positioned at the lower portion of the primary dial. The time is indicated by polished steel hands, described as Breguet style. The maker's name and location are signed directly on the dial surface.
- Visible features
- • Case features four glazed faces and a glass top. • The dial includes a subsidiary seconds register. • The clock is supported by a large white pyramidal internal stand. • The pendulum is an invar-elinvar construction with spring suspension.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is constructed with brass circular plates and secured by cylindrical pillars using screws. Power is provided by a going barrel. The regulator is designed to run for eight days. The timekeeping is regulated by a half-second beating pendulum made of invar and elinvar, suspended by a spring. The escapement mechanism is identified as a Vérité constant force escapement. This design traces its origins to an invention by L. A. Vérité, which was exhibited in 1839 and subsequently refined in the same year by J.-Th. Winnerl. The clock is noted for the inclusion of this mechanism in its construction.
- Condition and Documentation
- The auction description provides a grading for the clock components. The case is graded as 2, indicating it is in very good condition. The dial is listed with a grade of 2. Regarding technical documentation, the escapement mechanism is specifically cited in historical literature. It is described and illustrated in the second edition of 'Echappements d'Horloges et de Montres' by Charles Grosin, specifically on pages 219 through 221, in figure 218.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact history of the F. Luthi workshop is not detailed.
- Research required: The necessity of an overhaul is noted in the source's grading system.