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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cross-shaped watch

Cross-Shaped Clock

Partially verified

This cross-shaped clock, dated to circa 1580–1600, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The object is attributed to the maker P. Herbier of Grenoble. Constructed from enameled gold, rock crystal, and a single pearl, it measures 5.8 x 3.3 x 1.3 cm. The exterior features rock crystal panels revealing the internal mechanisms and a dial adorned with an enameled bird motif. The case incorporates decorative enameled gold elements and is topped with a suspension loop, with a pearl pendant attached to the bottom. The Cleveland Museum of Art classifies the item within its Decorative Art and Design department under the category of jewelry. It was acquired as a gift from John L. Severance, with a recorded provenance that includes Carl Marfels. The clock has been featured in historical museum bulletins and public exhibitions.

Front view of the cross-shaped clock featuring an enameled bird motif on the dial.
Front view of the cross-shaped clock featuring an enameled bird motif on the dial. — Cleveland Museum of Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cross-shaped watch
Maker / attribution
P. Herbier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1929.996
Source-reported date
c. 1580–1600
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

Construction and Materials

The object is formed into a cruciform shape, utilizing rock crystal for its primary casing. These panels allow for visibility of the dial on one side and the internal gear train on the reverse. The metallic portions of the cross, including the borders and suspension mounts, are finished in enameled gold. The color palette of the enamel incorporates distinct red and dark tones, serving as decorative accents throughout the frame of the cross.

The total dimensions are approximately 5.8 cm in height by 3.3 cm in width, with a depth of 1.3 cm. A pearl is suspended from the bottom of the device, serving as a pendant element. The suspension loop at the top is likewise constructed of matching enameled gold, aligning with the overall material specifications recorded by the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Enameled gold, rock crystal, and a pearl”
  • “overall: 5.8 x 3.3 x 1.3 cm (2 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 1/2 in.)”

Dial and Mechanism

The interior of the front crystal panel reveals a dial, which is marked with Roman numerals for the hours. Centrally located on the dial face is a white enameled bird, which serves as a primary decorative feature. The dial area surrounding the bird and numerals is decorated with further enameled patterns matching the style of the case frame.

The reverse side of the cross features exposed horological components visible through the crystal back. The gear train, wheels, and balance assembly are housed within the gold frame, allowing for the observation of the internal construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 17, no. 3 (March 1930): 31–39.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and was donated by John L. Severance. Prior to its acquisition by the museum, the clock was associated with the collection of Carl Marfels. It has been documented in various museum publications and appeared in the 1941 Silver Jubilee Exhibition held at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The maker attribution is based on an inscription reading 'P. Herbier, Grenoble', which the museum attributes to the French maker P. Herbier. Research publications from 1930 and 1936 mention the object, confirming its inclusion in the museum’s academic and exhibition history throughout the 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of John L. Severance. Recorded provenance: Carl Marfels.”
  • “inscribed: P. Herbier, Grenoble.”

Open research questions

  • What is the internal escapement mechanism used within this specific cross-shaped movement?
  • Are there known authenticated timepieces by P. Herbier that can corroborate the style of this inscription?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cross-Shaped Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerP. Herbier“P. Herbier (French)”
Datec. 1580–1600“c. 1580–1600”
Materialsenameled gold, rock crystal, and a pearl“Enameled gold, rock crystal, and a pearl”
Dimensions5.8 x 3.3 x 1.3 cm“overall: 5.8 x 3.3 x 1.3 cm (2 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 1/2 in.)”
InscriptionP. Herbier, Grenoble“inscribed: P. Herbier, Grenoble.”
Accession Number1929.996“Cleveland Museum of Art object 1929.996”
ProvenanceCarl Marfels“Recorded provenance: Carl Marfels.”

Visible details

  • The dial features a central white enameled bird motif
  • Rock crystal panels cover both the front and rear faces of the cross
  • The case construction incorporates dark-toned and red enamel details
  • A single small pearl is suspended from the bottom of the case

Research qualifications

  • The maker attribution to P. Herbier relies on an inscription that has not been independently verified by forensic analysis
  • The exact function as a portable clock versus a jewelry object remains classified under the broad museum category of jewelry

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

Consulted source

Cross-Shaped Clock (Cleveland Museum of Art 1929.996)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3ca710d04b

Terms in this record

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

Other cross-shaped watch records