French Portal Clock by Blanc Fils
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810/20
This portal clock, manufactured in France circa 1810/20, features a decorated brass case with original gilding. The architectural frame includes a profiled base, columns supported by small plinths, and a tympanum top adorned with a bull masquerade.
The clock housing is positioned between the columns and flanked by decorative dog figures, with the bezel featuring a lambrequin motif. The enamel dial is signed "Blanc Fils Palais Royal" and includes decorated hands. Internally, the clock utilizes a large round brass plate movement featuring a lower flattening, a large forked external locking disk, thread suspension, and a lever escapement. The striking mechanism performs a half-hour strike on a bell.
The clock stands approximately 37 cm in height.
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 1810/20
- Type
- Portal clock
- Maker
- Blanc Fils
- Height
- Approximately 37 cm
- Suspension
- Thread suspension
- Place recorded
- France
- Striking mechanism
- Half-hour strike on bell
- Maker / attribution
- Blanc Fils
Design
- Visible features
- • Bull masquerade at the top tympanum • Dog figures flanking the dial housing • Lambrequin design on the dial bezel • Thread suspension mechanism visible
- Movement and Escapement
- The clock is powered by a large round brass plate movement that features a unique lower flattening. The mechanical system incorporates a large forked external locking disk and uses thread suspension to regulate the pendulum. The escapement is specified as a lever type. Power is supplied through large barrels, which contain old repair spots as indicated in the auction documentation. The movement is configured to perform a half-hour strike on a bell, which is integrated into the rear or top of the mechanism. The technical condition of the movement is categorized by the auction house as grade 3, which encompasses both the functioning of the internal mechanism and the state of the physical housing.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The clock is identified by the signature "Blanc Fils Palais Royal" located on the dial. The provenance is documented as being offered by Henry's Auktionshaus in Mutterstadt, Germany, with a sale date of December 28, 2023. The lot is cataloged as item number 5320. No further historical ownership or provenance is provided in the source text. The dating of the piece to approximately 1810/20 is an attribution provided by the auction house, placing the object within the French production period of that era. Authenticity statements regarding the signature and original assembly are attributed to the auction house's internal inspection.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The portal clock is constructed from brass with remnants of original gilding. The architecture of the piece follows a structural design featuring a profiled base and a series of columns raised on distinct plinths. The top of the frame is capped by a tympanum ornamented with a bull masquerade. Centrally positioned, the clock dial is flanked by figures of dogs, contributing to the decorative scheme of the structure. The bezel is decorated with a lambrequin element, which adds detail to the area surrounding the dial. The dial itself is formed of enamel and bears the signature of "Blanc Fils Palais Royal." The hands are described as decorated. The overall condition of the dial is noted as having minor damage. The gilding on the brass case shows signs of wear, described as being heavily bent or worn.
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: Extent and nature of the old repair spots on the barrels are not detailed
- Research required: Meaning of 'condition 3' is an internal auction house grading scale