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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Four-glass mantel clock

French late 19th century brass four-glass clock

Partially verified

According to the auction listing, this object is a late 19th-century French brass-cased four-glass clock measuring 27 cm in height, 16.5 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth. The brass case is fitted with glass panels on all four sides and encloses a circular white dial with black Roman numerals and gilt hands. Below the dial hangs a long-duration torsion pendulum with adjustable balance weights. Sourced from a restorer's collection, the cataloguer notes dial damage, brass tarnishing, and scuffs.

Front view of the French brass four-glass clock showing dial and torsion pendulum
Front view of the French brass four-glass clock showing dial and torsion pendulum — Fellows. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.fellows.co.uk
Category
Clock · Four-glass mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
8
Source-reported date
late 19th century
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

Object Description and Dimensions

This object is described as a French brass-cased four-glass clock dating to the late 19th century. The clock is designed with glass panels on the sides, front, and rear.

The recorded dimensions of the clock are 27 cm in height, 16.5 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “A late 19th century French brass cased four glass clock”
  • “27cm x 16.5cm x 13cm”

Condition and Wear

The auction source notes several condition issues including scuffs and marks to the case, as well as visible tarnishing of the brass.

The dial of the clock has sustained specific damage described as a crack and a bruise.

Evidence for this section
  • “Scuffs and marks to the case”
  • “Visible tarnishing”
  • “Crack and bruise to the dial”

Mechanism and Provenance

The clock features a long-duration torsion pendulum. The internal mechanism, including the movement and parts, has not been inspected by the auction house and their functional or complete status is not known.

The clock is reported to have come from a restorer's collection. The source advises that there may be elements of restoration to the movement or the case that have not been detected.

Evidence for this section
  • “with long duration torchon pendulum”
  • “Please note that the internal mechanisms and parts contained within this item are not inspected and therefore not known if complete, damaged or inoperable”
  • “This clock has come from a restorer and so it should be considered that they may have elements of restoration to either the case or movement”

Open research questions

  • Are there identifying markings or stamps on the movement that were not photographed or listed in the provided source?
  • Does the 'long duration torchon pendulum' terminology refer to a specific proprietary torsion movement type?
  • Can the specific restoration history be clarified through further provenance research?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French late 19th century brass four-glass clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datelate 19th century“A late 19th century French brass cased four glass clock”
Case materialBrass“French brass cased four glass clock”
Pendulum typeLong duration torchon pendulum“with long duration torchon pendulum”
Dimensions27cm x 16.5cm x 13cm“27cm x 16.5cm x 13cm”
Dial conditionCrack and bruise to the dial“Crack and bruise to the dial”

Visible details

  • Rectangular brass case with transparent glazed front, rear, and side panels.
  • White dial with black Roman hour numerals and yellow-metal Breguet-style hands.
  • Suspended disc-style torsion pendulum featuring horizontal threaded rods and cylindrical adjustment weights at the base.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes internal mechanisms were not inspected for completeness or operable condition.
  • The auction house notes potential undetected restoration to the movement or case.
  • Maker is unspecified in the source documentation.

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

Consulted source

Lot 8 | French 19th century brass cased clock

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record ff01e57078

Terms in this record

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