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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Clock case with figure of Time

Partially verified

This tin-glazed earthenware (faïence) clock, measuring 114 cm in height, was produced at the manufactory of Paul Hannong in Strasbourg, France, between 1756 and 1757. The object comprises a three-part case featuring elaborate scrollwork and figures, including demi-figures flanking the dial and a crowning, separately formed figure of Time holding an hourglass. The dial is constructed of cast and chased brass with black Roman numeral plaques on white enamel, featuring an inner minute ring. The going train movement includes a large barrel providing an estimated 14-day duration, a tic-tac escapement, and a pull-repeat mechanism for quarters and hours. Provenance records indicate the piece was acquired from the Aigoin Collection. Inscriptions on the movement reveal the maker as A. Vincent of Les Ponts-de-Martel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, alongside the date 1757.

Clock featuring a figure of Time, produced at the Paul Hannong pottery factory, Strasbourg, circa 1756-1757.
Clock featuring a figure of Time, produced at the Paul Hannong pottery factory, Strasbourg, circa 1756-1757. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Paul Hannong's pottery factory
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
465 to B-1870
Source-reported date
1756-1757
Source-reported place
France

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 Dial

The clock case is fashioned from tin-glazed earthenware, assembled in three separate components including a bracket and a main body surmounted by a figure of Time. The structure displays characteristic scrollwork and asymmetrical elements, with demi-figures emerging from the scroll-moulded sides. A shaped and glazed door is located at the front, accented with applied cast and chased gilt mounts, while the back includes a rectangular opening. The case contains a cockerel motif below the figure of Time

The dial is composed of cast and chased brass, measuring 21.2 cm in diameter. It features an outer minute ring marked from 1 to 60, surrounding black Roman hour numerals set into white plaques. The center of the dial is decorated with trophies, leaf motifs, and scrolls surrounding a central bust. Timekeeping is indicated by pierced steel hour and minute hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “surmounted by a separately formed figure of Time. Of rococo scrollwork form, the case with flanked by demi-figures emerging from scrolls.”
  • “The dial is brass, 21.2cm diameter, cast and chased, with an outer minute ring, numbered 1 to 60 (with flat-topped 8 numerals).”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is housed within the earthenware frame and features plates measuring 14 by 10.8 cm. The power source is a large going barrel estimated to last for 14 days, supported by an intermediate wheel positioned between the center and great wheels. The regulation is achieved through a tic-tac escapement with a 30-tooth escape wheel and pallets that span two teeth.

The pendulum, which is 27.2 cm long, consists of a steel rod and a lenticular bob adjusted by a rating nut. The movement includes a pull-repeat mechanism capable of striking the hours followed by double blows for the quarters. According to findings during a 2014 cleaning, the movement is signed by A. Vincent of Les Ponts-de-Martel and dated 1757.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement plates are 14x10.8cm. The going train has a large going barrel of an estimated 14 day duration”
  • “There is a pull-repeat mechanism on one bell, giving hours, followed by pairs of blows for quarters.”
  • “When cleaned in 2014 by Francis Brodie, the movement was found to be signed: 'A. Vincent, aux ponts de martel conté de neuf chatel' and on the opposing side dated: 'M11 1757'”

Provenance and Marks

The clock is identified by its pottery factory marks, which include the 'PH' monogram attributed to the Paul Hannong factory in Strasbourg. The manufacturer's markings are supplemented by the inscriptions found directly on the movement plates, identifying the specific Swiss clockmaker A. Vincent.

The object was formerly part of the Aigoin Collection before entering the museum holdings.

Evidence for this section
  • “'PH' | 'A. Vincent, aux ponts de martel conté de neuf chatel' and on the opposing side 'M11 1757'”
  • “In 1754 in an attempt to safeguard his wares from inferior copies, he started to use the PH mark found on this clock.”
  • “Bought from the Aigoin Collection”

Open research questions

  • What is the nature of the relationship between the Strasbourg pottery factory and the Swiss movement maker A. Vincent?
  • Is there further documentation regarding the original commission or the intended destination for this specific clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clock case with figure of Time
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Hannong's pottery factory“Maker: Paul Hannong's pottery factory (manufacturer)”
Accession number465 to B-1870“465 to B-1870”
Date1756-1757“Date: 1756-1757”
Dimensions114 cm high“Height: 114 cm”
Movement signatureA. Vincent, aux ponts de martel conté de neuf chatel“'A. Vincent, aux ponts de martel conté de neuf chatel'”
Movement dateM11 1757“'M11 1757'”
MaterialTin-glazed earthenware“Tin-glazed earthenware painted in enamels”
Movement duration14 day“large going barrel of an estimated 14 day duration”

Visible details

  • The dial center features a bust and trophies
  • The pendulum hangs from a cord loop
  • Applied gilt mounts appear on the lower door

Research qualifications

  • Uncertain if the movement and case were originally produced as a unified commission or combined later
  • Unverified if the present pendulum assembly is original to the 1757 mechanism

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

Consulted source

Clock case

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b481e4a073

Terms in this record

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

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