Henry Marc Pendule Portative Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850–1860
This French mantel clock, identified as a 'Pendule Portative' (portable clock), is attributed to the clockmaker Henry Marc of Paris and dated to approximately 1850–1860.
The clock features an ebonised oak case with molded trim and a folding handle at the top. The structure includes four beveled glass panels. The white dial displays Roman numerals, signed 'Henry Marc a Paris', and is surrounded by a gilded, engraved metal frame. The clock features tre-foil design hands. The mechanical movement is designed without a pendulum, resembling the architecture of a carriage clock, and includes a bell strike system that sounds at the hour and half-hour.
A serial number, 18243, is stamped onto the brass back plate of the movement, and the number 45 is marked on the escape wheel assembly, suggesting component alignment.
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
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Henry Marc
- Dating
- circa 1850–1860
- Origin
- Paris, France
- Case material
- Ebonised Oak
- Strike system
- Bell strike at hour and half-hour
- Place recorded
- France
- Escapement mark
- 45
- Movement serial
- 18243
- Maker / attribution
- Henry Marc
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in an ebonised oak case, characterized by a slender, molded form. The case design incorporates a folding handle at the top, facilitating its categorization as a 'Pendule Portative' or portable clock. Four beveled glass panels are integrated into the frame, allowing visibility of the internal movement from the sides and rear. The dial features a clean, white finish with Roman numerals for hour indication. It is signed with the maker's name, 'Henry Marc a Paris'. The dial is framed by a gilded metal surround with engraved detailing. The clock utilizes tre-foil shaped hands to indicate the time.
- Visible features
- • Folding brass handle attached to the top of the case • Four beveled glass panels surrounding the movement • White dial with Roman numerals signed 'Henry Marc a Paris' • Tre-foil (shabdari) style clock hands
- Attribution and Condition
- The clock is attributed to the Parisian maker Henry Marc and is placed within a production window of 1850–1860. The glass panels are reported to be original to the piece. Prospective owners are encouraged to verify the mechanical state of the movement, including the springs, winding function, and the striking mechanism. The integrity of the wood casing and glass panels should be examined as part of an assessment of the object's current condition.
- Movement and Strike Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a mechanical movement designed without a pendulum. This specific architecture is noted to be derived from the style of carriage clocks, allowing for transport without the need for manual suspension mechanisms. The movement features an integrated bell strike system which emits a strike every hour and a single beat every half-hour. The movement assembly includes internal numbering to ensure component matching. The escape wheel assembly is marked with the number 45, which is also replicated beneath the wheel, confirming the alignment of these parts. The serial number 18243 is engraved on the brass back plate of the movement.
Identification
- Serial number
- 18243
- 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 integrity of the ebonised oak wood finish remains unverified
- Research required: Functionality of the strike mechanism and escapement has not been independently tested