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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lantern clock

French Lantern Clock by Le Baique A Paris

Partially verified

This antique French brass lantern clock is signed 'Le Baique A Paris' on the dial and dated circa 1720 by the dealer. The time is indicated with a single iron hand against a circular brass dial with Roman numerals and an engraved center fitted with an alarm disc. The brass casing features three pierced frets, with the front fret engraved with foliate and mask motifs, surmounted by an arched bell structure and finials. According to the seller, the one-day movement features a verge escapement, a striking train, and an alarm, driven by lead weights on suspension cords.

Three-quarter view of the French brass lantern clock signed Le Baique A Paris showing the single-hand dial, pierced fretwork, and bell
Three-quarter view of the French brass lantern clock signed Le Baique A Paris showing the single-hand dial, pierced fretwork, and bell — Proantic / Eward Ruyter Antique clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Lantern clock
Maker / attribution
Le Baique A Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1274746
Source-reported date
circa 1720
Country
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 Architecture and Visible Structure

The clock is built in brass with a rectangular case flanked by turned corner finials and matching pendant feet. Visible observations confirm it is surmounted by a bell held by arched straps with a turned top finial.

The case incorporates frets, described by the source as "3 frets, of which the first is also engraved", with visual inspection showing the front pierced fret adorned with scrolling foliage and a stylized central mask. Woven suspension cords descend from beneath the case, while any weights or pendulum mentioned by the seller are not visible in the photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass clock with a nicely engraved dial, 3 frets, of which the first is also engraved.”
  • “Front pierced brass fret displays engraved scrolling foliage and a stylized central mask.”
  • “Surmounted by a large bell framed by arched straps and a turned top finial.”
  • “Turned corner finials and matching pendant feet flank the rectangular brass case.”
  • “Multiple woven suspension cords descend from beneath the case.”

Dial Configuration and Display

The brass dial features Roman hour numerals and half-hour markers, with an engraved center showing an inner alarm disk. Visual observation confirms time is indicated by a single dark iron hand.

According to the source, the clock is signed "Le Baique A Paris" and dated ca 1720, with the seller noting "The time is indicated with just one iron hand."

Evidence for this section
  • “This French clock is signed ‘Le Baique A Paris’, and dated ca 1720.”
  • “Circular brass dial with Roman hour numerals and half-hour markers features an engraved central rosette with an inner alarm disk.”
  • “Single dark iron hand indicates the time.”
  • “The time is indicated with just one iron hand.”

Reported Movement and Technical Details

Internal components are not visible in the record photograph. The dealer reports that the clock contains a one-day movement fitted with a verge escapement, a striking train, and an alarm.

Operational drive is attributed by the seller to lead weights suspended from cords. Because the internal movement and weights are not in view, these specifications represent seller-reported claims rather than verified observations.

Evidence for this section
  • “The one-day movement has a verge escapement, a striking train and an alarm.”
  • “The weights in lead hanging on a cord ensure the action of the movement.”

Open research questions

  • Does direct physical examination confirm the presence and originality of the verge escapement and internal striking/alarm trains?
  • Are the lead weights and pendulum mentioned in the dealer text extant and associated with the clock?
  • What historical records exist in Parisian horological archives for the maker signing 'Le Baique A Paris' around 1720?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Lantern Clock by Le Baique A Paris
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureLe Baique A Paris“signed ‘Le Baique A Paris’”
Datecirca 1720“dated ca 1720”
MaterialBrass“Brass clock with a nicely engraved dial”
Movement Duration and EscapementOne-day verge escapement“The one-day movement has a verge escapement”
ComplicationsStriking train and alarm“a striking train and an alarm”
HandsOne iron hand“The time is indicated with just one iron hand.”
DimensionsHeight: 40 cm, Width: 18 cm, Depth: 18 cm“Height: 40 cm Width: 18 cm Depth: 18 cm”
Case DimensionsHeight 40 cm, Width 18 cm, Depth 18 cm“Height: 40 cm Width: 18 cm Depth: 18 cm”
Case Frets3 frets, first fret engraved“3 frets, of which the first is also engraved.”
Drive MethodLead weights on cord (dealer reported)“The weights in lead hanging on a cord ensure the action of the movement.”

Visible details

  • Surmounted by a large bell framed by arched straps and a turned top finial.
  • Front pierced brass fret displays engraved scrolling foliage and a stylized central mask.
  • Circular brass dial with Roman hour numerals and half-hour markers features an engraved central rosette with an inner alarm disk.
  • Single dark iron hand indicates the time.
  • Turned corner finials and matching pendant feet flank the rectangular brass case.
  • Multiple woven suspension cords descend from beneath the case.

Research qualifications

  • Movement escapement, trains, and internal mechanics are not directly visible in the image.
  • Lead weights and pendulum mentioned in the dealer text are out of frame in this photograph.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: French Lantern Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b17fc14874

Terms in this record

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

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