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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric dome clock

Bulle electric mantel clock under glass dome

Partially verified

Reported to date to circa 1930, this small Bulle electric mantel clock is enclosed under a tall cylindrical glass dome resting on an octagonal stepped base. The base features black and gilt Chinoiserie floral decoration and small feet. The circular silvered dial features Arabic numerals and is marked 'BULLE CLOCK' below the 12 position. According to the seller, the timepiece utilizes an electric impulse mechanism powered by two AA batteries, with a pendulum coil that swings over a curved three-pole magnetic bar.

Front view of the Bulle electric clock under glass dome on decorated octagonal base
Front view of the Bulle electric clock under glass dome on decorated octagonal base — Kembery Antique Clocks And Watches Ltd / Antiques Atlas. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Electric dome clock
Maker / attribution
Bulle
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as579a2040
Source-reported date
Circa 1930
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

Case and External Construction

This clock is housed under a cylindrical glass dome resting on an octagonal stepped base. The base is finished in a black ground featuring gilt Chinoiserie floral decoration and is supported by small feet.

The object is described by the seller as measuring 10 inches (26 cm) in height and 6 1/2 inches (17 cm) in width. The seller identifies the glass dome as original.

Evidence for this section
  • “A small electric Bulle antique clock under the original glass dome.”
  • “A Chinoiserie oriental decorated case in black and gilt.”
  • “Height 10"/26cms Width 6 1/2"/17cms”

Dial and Mechanism

The circular metal dial features black Arabic numerals. The inscription 'BULLE CLOCK' is present beneath the 12 o'clock position.

The clock utilizes an electric impulse mechanism. The pendulum consists of a coil that oscillates over a curved magnetic bar equipped with three poles.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular metal dial with black Arabic numerals and 'BULLE CLOCK' inscribed beneath 12 o'clock.”
  • “The pendulum is a coil which swings over a curved magnetic bar with 3 poles.”
  • “An electric impulse mechanism running on two AA bateries.”

Condition and Provenance

The seller states that the timepiece operates using two AA batteries. The specific implementation of this power source is not documented in the provided source.

The item is dated to circa 1930.

Evidence for this section
  • “An electric impulse mechanism running on two AA bateries.”
  • “Circa 1930”

Open research questions

  • What is the original power requirement of a Bulle electric clock movement from this period?
  • Are there identifiable hallmarks on the base or movement that confirm the 1930 production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulle electric mantel clock under glass dome
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker / BrandBulle“A small electric Bulle antique clock under the original glass dome.”
Case decorationChinoiserie oriental decorated case in black and gilt“A Chinoiserie oriental decorated case in black and gilt.”
MechanismElectric impulse mechanism running on two AA batteries“An electric impulse mechanism running on two AA bateries.”
Pendulum systemCoil swinging over a curved 3-pole magnetic bar“The pendulum is a coil which swings over a curved magnetic bar with 3 poles.”
Date of productionCirca 1930“Circa 1930”
DimensionsHeight 10" / 26 cm, Width 6 1/2" / 17 cm“Height 10"/26cms Width 6 1/2"/17cms”
MakerBulle“A small electric Bulle antique clock”
MechanismElectric impulse mechanism“An electric impulse mechanism running on two AA bateries.”

Visible details

  • Circular metal dial with black Arabic numerals and 'BULLE CLOCK' inscribed beneath 12 o'clock.
  • Curved magnetic bar with suspension assembly and swinging coil pendulum beneath the dial.
  • Octagonal stepped wooden or lacquered base adorned with gilt floral Chinoiserie motifs on a black ground, raised on small rounded feet.
  • Clear cylindrical glass dome with a rounded top enclosing the entire movement and dial.

Research qualifications

  • Seller notes the movement operates on two AA batteries; modern battery adaptation details are not visible in the front photo.
  • The seller describes the glass dome as original, which cannot be verified independently.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - A Small Bulle Electric Clock as579a2040

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 237dff5515

Terms in this record

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