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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lantern clock

18th Century Lantern Clock, Niel à Alacambe

Partially verified

This listing presents an 18th-century lantern clock signed on the brass dial by 'Niel à Alacambe'. The circular dial measures 19 cm in diameter and is engraved with Roman numeral hour markers interspersed with radiating starburst dividers. A central numbered alarm disc and a single decorative pierced hand are fitted at the center, matching the source description of a single-needle movement. A large dome-shaped bell is mounted above the framework. Overall dimensions reported by the source are 29 cm in height and 18 cm in depth.

Front view of the 18th-century lantern clock signed Niel à Alacambe showing the circular dial, single hand, and bell
Front view of the 18th-century lantern clock signed Niel à Alacambe showing the circular dial, single hand, and bell — Antiquités Francis Daubet. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Lantern clock
Maker / attribution
Niel à Alacambe
Reference
810590
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
18th century
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Visual Features

The clock features a circular dial with a recorded diameter of 19 cm. The dial surface bears an engraving including the inscription 'Niel à Alacambe'.

Visual inspection of the provided imagery shows a single hand mounted at the dial arbor and a bell positioned above the frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial: Niel à Alacambe.”
  • “Dial diameter: 19 cm.”

Structural and Mechanical Configuration

The object is identified as a lantern clock, which the source describes as featuring a 'single needle movement'.

The reported dimensions of the piece are 29 cm in height and 18 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “18th century lantern clock with a single needle movement.”
  • “Height: 29 cm.”
  • “Depth: 18 cm.”

Attribution and Condition

The attribution to 'Niel à Alacambe' is derived from the dial inscription as reported by the dealer.

The condition of the clock is stated by the seller as 'In its current state.' No details regarding the completeness or functionality of the internal movement are provided in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial: Niel à Alacambe.”
  • “Condition: In its current state”

Open research questions

  • Is there a historical record of a clockmaker named Niel active in a location called Alacambe?
  • What specific components constitute a 'single needle movement' in the context of this 18th-century lantern clock?
  • Are there missing internal components indicated by the 'in its current state' description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18th Century Lantern Clock, Niel à Alacambe
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureNiel à Alacambe“Signed on the dial: Niel à Alacambe.”
MovementSingle needle movement“single needle movement.”
Height29 cm“Height: 29 cm.”
Depth18 cm“Depth: 18 cm.”
Dial Diameter19 cm“Dial diameter: 19 cm.”
Period18th century“Period: 18th century”
DealerAntiquités Francis Daubet“Antiquités Francis Daubet - Floirac, France”
Period18th century“Period: 18th century”

Visible details

  • Circular brass dial engraved with Roman numeral hours and stylized star half-hour markers
  • Engraved signatures reading 'Niel' above center and 'Alacambe' below center
  • Central disc engraved with numerals 1 through 12
  • Single decorative pierced dark metal hand mounted at the dial arbor
  • Large metal bell surmounted over the top of the clock movement frame

Research qualifications

  • Condition is listed by the dealer as 'in its current state' with no internal movement imagery provided
  • Maker and place name 'Niel à Alacambe' are source-reported from dial inscriptions without external biographic verification

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Proantic: 18th Century Lantern Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 8fe01b8b07

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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