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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Portico mantel clock

French Empire Marble Portico Clock

Partially verified

This French portico mantel clock, dated circa 1830, features a white marble architectural frame with black marble detailing and ormolu mounts. The movement is an 8-day, bell-striking mechanism with an exposed sunburst pendulum suspended by a silk ribbon. The clock features a convex dial signed "Le Roy Paris" and is set within a case incorporating ormolu-capped reeded columns and an ormolu finial depicting a botanical arrangement. The overall dimensions are 50cm high by 34cm wide and 10cm deep. It exhibits light signs of age, and the auction description reports it is in good condition for its age.

Full view of the portico mantel clock showing the white marble frame, lyre-shaped ornaments, and sunburst pendulum.
Full view of the portico mantel clock showing the white marble frame, lyre-shaped ornaments, and sunburst pendulum. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Portico mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Unknown (Dial signature "Le Roy Paris" is not verified)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1830
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 Aesthetic Features

The clock is constructed as a portico-style mantel piece, utilizing white marble as the primary material, accented with black marble bases for the two primary columns. The architectural assembly includes ormolu-capped, reeded columns and a central ormolu finial depicting grapes and foliage. The base of the clock is rectangular and incorporates additional ormolu decorative elements.

The dial is convex in profile and features black Roman numerals. The overall design incorporates ormolu mounts, specifically at the column capitals and on the base, providing a consistent decorative scheme. The pendulum is an integral part of the visual composition, suspended by a silk thread between the two pillars.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ormolu capped reeded pillars”
  • “Ormolu mounts and finials”
  • “Convex dial”

Movement and Function

The clock is powered by an 8-day movement that provides a bell-striking function. A key feature of the movement is the exposed pendulum, which is designed with a masked sunburst face. The pendulum is suspended by what is described as the original silk suspension, a mechanism for regulating timekeeping in early 19th-century French clocks.

The rear of the clock reveals the movement mechanism, including the strike bell positioned behind the dial. The auction description indicates that the clock is in working order, although it displays signs of age commensurate with its production date of approximately 1830.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bell Striking”
  • “Original silk suspension”
  • “Working Order”

Condition and Maintenance

The auction house reports that the clock is in good condition considering its age. The description emphasizes the importance of reviewing the provided photographs to assess the condition of these materials.

The clock is described as a piece that retains its original components, such as the silk suspension, which is an noted feature of the assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Good condition for age, showing slight signs or age”
  • “Original silk suspension”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain additional maker marks or numbers that corroborate the dial signature?
  • What is the specific composition of the ormolu finish and its original application technique?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Empire Marble Portico Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLe Roy“Dial signed Le Roy Paris”
Datecirca 1830“Circa 1830”
Dimensions50cm x 34cm x 10cm“Measures 50cm high by 34cm wide & 10cm deep”
MountsOrmolu“Ormolu mounts and finials”
SuspensionOriginal silk“Original silk suspension”
PendulumMasked sunburst“Masked sunburst pendulum”
DialConvex“Convex dial”

Visible details

  • Exposed pendulum features a masked sunburst design
  • Dial includes black Roman numerals and hands
  • Base and top sections are decorated with ormolu beaded trim
  • Movement is visible from the rear of the clock through the open portico frame

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the maker beyond the dial signature remains unverified
  • The long-term functional status of the original silk suspension is not specified

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

Consulted source

French Empire Marble Portico Clock Pillar Striking 8-Day Mantel Clock by Signed

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4da115afbe

Terms in this record

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

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