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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Portal clock

French Portal Clock by Blanc Fils

Partially verified

This portal clock, manufactured in France circa 1810/20, features a decorated brass case with original gilding. The architectural frame includes a profiled base, columns supported by small plinths, and a tympanum top adorned with a bull masquerade. The clock housing is positioned between the columns and flanked by decorative dog figures, with the bezel featuring a lambrequin motif. The enamel dial is signed "Blanc Fils Palais Royal" and includes decorated hands. Internally, the clock utilizes a large round brass plate movement featuring a lower flattening, a large forked external locking disk, thread suspension, and a lever escapement. The striking mechanism performs a half-hour strike on a bell. The clock stands approximately 37 cm in height.

Portal clock, France around 1810-1820.
Portal clock, France around 1810-1820. — Henry's Auktionshaus (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Portal clock
Maker / attribution
Blanc Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
5320
Source-reported date
circa 1810/20
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 Construction

The portal clock is constructed from brass with remnants of original gilding. The architecture of the piece follows a structural design featuring a profiled base and a series of columns raised on distinct plinths. The top of the frame is capped by a tympanum ornamented with a bull masquerade. Centrally positioned, the clock dial is flanked by figures of dogs, contributing to the decorative scheme of the structure. The bezel is decorated with a lambrequin element, which adds detail to the area surrounding the dial.

The dial itself is formed of enamel and bears the signature of "Blanc Fils Palais Royal." The hands are described as decorated. The overall condition of the dial is noted as having minor damage. The gilding on the brass case shows signs of wear, described as being heavily bent or worn.

Evidence for this section
  • “decorated brass case with old gilding (heavily bent)”
  • “top tympanum with bull masquerade”
  • “clock underneath flanked by dogs”
  • “enamel dial (minor dam.) with signature: Blanc Fils Palais Royal”

Movement and Escapement

The clock is powered by a large round brass plate movement that features a unique lower flattening. The mechanical system incorporates a large forked external locking disk and uses thread suspension to regulate the pendulum. The escapement is specified as a lever type.

Power is supplied through large barrels, which contain old repair spots as indicated in the auction documentation. The movement is configured to perform a half-hour strike on a bell, which is integrated into the rear or top of the mechanism.

The technical condition of the movement is categorized by the auction house as grade 3, which encompasses both the functioning of the internal mechanism and the state of the physical housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “larger round brass plate movement with lower flattening”
  • “large forked ext. Locking disk”
  • “thread suspension, lever escapement”
  • “large barrels (with old repair spots)”

Signatures and Provenance

The clock is identified by the signature "Blanc Fils Palais Royal" located on the dial.

The provenance is documented as being offered by Henry's Auktionshaus in Mutterstadt, Germany, with a sale date of December 28, 2023. The lot is cataloged as item number 5320. No further historical ownership or provenance is provided in the source text.

The dating of the piece to approximately 1810/20 is an attribution provided by the auction house, placing the object within the French production period of that era. Authenticity statements regarding the signature and original assembly are attributed to the auction house's internal inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “signature: Blanc Fils Palais Royal (seeref.: Tardy, p. 59)”
  • “Henry's Auktionshaus Mutterstadt, Germany December 28, 2023”
  • “Portal clock, France around 1810/20”

Open research questions

  • What specific horological records exist in the referenced Tardy page regarding the partnership of Blanc Fils?
  • Can the specific nature of the 'old repairs' to the barrels be identified to determine if they impact the current timekeeping accuracy?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Portal Clock by Blanc Fils
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBlanc Fils“Blanc Fils Palais Royal”
Datecirca 1810/20“France around 1810/20”
HeightApproximately 37 cm“height approx. 37cm”
SuspensionThread suspension“Fadenaufhängung”
Striking mechanismHalf-hour strike on bell“Halbstd.-Schlag auf Glocke”

Visible details

  • Bull masquerade at the top tympanum
  • Dog figures flanking the dial housing
  • Lambrequin design on the dial bezel
  • Thread suspension mechanism visible

Research qualifications

  • Extent and nature of the old repair spots on the barrels are not detailed
  • Meaning of 'condition 3' is an internal auction house grading scale

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

Consulted source

Portal clock, France around 1810/20, decorated brass case

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 107e12d79d

Terms in this record

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

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