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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

French Provincial Mahogany Tall Case Clock (Régulateur)

Partially verified

This French Provincial tall case clock, catalogued as a régulateur with a mahogany case probably dating to the 18th century, features an arched hood and a long panelled trunk door pierced by a circular aperture. The enameled dial is inscribed 'Isnard / à Barême' and is set within a decorative brass surround. Measuring 94 inches in overall height, the clock includes two weights and a pendulum. Freeman's notes that the movement is rusted, non-functioning, and probably associated with the case, with replaced cornice elements and retouched dial numbers.

French Provincial mahogany tall case clock (régulateur)
French Provincial mahogany tall case clock (régulateur) — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
Isnard à Barême
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
115
Source-reported date
Probably 18th Century
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

Construction and Case Form

This French provincial régulateur is constructed with an arched hood and a rectangular plinth base with fluted side pilasters. The case features a long panelled trunk door with a central circular aperture.

The case exhibits age, construction cracks, and sun fading. There are scattered nicks, chips, abrasions, and losses reported, and the crown of the arched cornice on the hood has been replaced.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case overall with age and construction cracks as expected. Scattered nicks, chips, abrasions and losses.”
  • “The crown of the arched cornice to the hood replaced.”
  • “The case overall with sun fading.”

Dial and Inscription

The clock features an enameled dial with radial Roman numerals set within a decorative brass surround. The dial is inscribed 'Isnard / à Barême'.

Condition reports note that the brass surround has spots of oxidation, verdigris, scattered dents, and bends. The enamel dial exhibits warping and 'spidering,' and the numerals and inscription are noted as later retouched.

Evidence for this section
  • “the enameled face with radial Roman chapters and inscribed 'Isnard / à Barême'.”
  • “The brass dial surround with spots of oxidation and verdigris, also with scattered dents and bends to the surface.”
  • “The dial with some warping and spidering to the enamel; the numbers and inscription later re-touched.”

Mechanism and Internal Status

The clock includes two weights and a pendulum. The internal movement is reported to be in a non-functioning and rusted condition.

The works are noted as probably being associated with the case rather than original.

Evidence for this section
  • “includes two weights and pendulum”
  • “The movement rusted and not functioning.”
  • “The works probably also associated.”

Open research questions

  • What specific evidence supports the assessment that the movement is associated?
  • Does the 'Isnard à Barême' signature correlate with historical horological records in the Barême region?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Provincial Mahogany Tall Case Clock (Régulateur)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial inscriptionIsnard / à Barême“inscribed 'Isnard / à Barême'”
Case date attributionProbably 18th Century“The Case Probably 18th Century”
Overall dimensionsHeight 94 x width 17 3/8 x depth 10 1/2 inches“Height 94 x width 17 3/8 x depth 10 1/2 inches, overall.”
Included partsTwo weights and pendulum“includes two weights and pendulum”
Movement conditionRusted and not functioning“The movement rusted and not functioning.”
ProvenanceCollection of Nelson R. DeMille“From the Collection of Nelson R. DeMille”
Case DatingProbably 18th Century“The Case Probably 18th Century”

Visible details

  • Tall standing wooden case with an arched hood and glazed dial door.
  • Long rectangular trunk door with a central circular glazed or open viewing aperture.
  • White enameled dial with radial Roman numerals set into a decorated brass surround.
  • Straight rectangular plinth base with fluted side pilasters.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes that the works/movement are probably associated with the case.
  • Crown of the arched cornice to the hood is catalogued as replaced.
  • Dial exhibits spidering, warping, and later retouched numerals and inscription.
  • Movement is reported to be rusted and non-functioning.

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

Consulted source

A French Provincial Mahogany Tall Case Clock (Regulateur) | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 24ca83b793

Terms in this record

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

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