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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Torsion clock

French Torsion Pendulum Mantle Clock

Partially verified

This French torsion pendulum clock features a matte white circular dial with black printed Roman numerals and black traditional-style hour and minute hands. The timepiece is characterized by an open skeletonized brass plate movement, with visible gear trains and mechanical components. It operates using a torsion pendulum system consisting of four metallic spheres suspended vertically by a thin suspension wire, which oscillates through horizontal rotation. The entire mechanism is mounted between two polished vertical support columns resting on a circular wooden base. The clock is enclosed within a removable glass dome cover. The source specifies an eight-day duration for the movement. The source notes a discrepancy between its auction title, which mentions an ornate cast case, and the visual evidence, which indicates this specific torsion-style mantle clock design.

Full view of the French torsion pendulum clock with its glass dome
Full view of the French torsion pendulum clock with its glass dome — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Torsion clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
فرانسه

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

Dial and Case Construction

The clock features a white circular dial inscribed with black Roman numerals and traditional black spade-style hands. The dial is encircled by a polished metallic bezel. The structure is designed as a skeletonized clock, placing the internal movement components in full view, rather than concealing them within a conventional closed case.

The movement is elevated above a circular wooden base, supported by two polished vertical metal pillars. These pillars provide the primary structural support for the plates holding the gear train. A clear, removable glass dome serves as the protective housing for the entire assembly, resting on the wooden base.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت به رنگ سفید مات طراحی شده”
  • “طوقه فلزی براقی دور صفحه را فرا گرفته است”
  • “دو ستون استوانه‌ای با پرداخت براق از روی پایه چوبی به سمت بالا امتداد یافته”

Movement and Pendulum

The clock is driven by an eight-day movement housed between two brass plates. The timepiece employs a torsion pendulum system, where a vertical thin wire suspends a cluster of four metallic balls.

Unlike a standard swinging pendulum, this mechanism relies on the horizontal rotation of the four spheres. The oscillation frequency is governed by the torsion of the suspension spring. The source mentions the clock's duration as eight days, though specific technical details or caliber numbers remain unverified through existing imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت از نوع اسکلتی با صفحات برنجی (Brass Plates) است”
  • “سیستم نوسان‌ساز این ساعت یک پاندول پیچشی متشکل از چهار گوی مدور است”
  • “فروشنده در عنوان به کارکرد ۸ روزه (8-day) اشاره کرده است”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is presented in what is described as good condition for its age. The glass dome appears intact with no cracks visible in the provided photographs. The metal components, including the pendulum spheres and support pillars, exhibit a polished finish consistent with the overall design.

There is a noted discrepancy between the original source's title, which refers to an 'ornate French cast case', and the physical object depicted in the images, which is a standard torsion clock. Prospective identification of the maker would require examining the plates or any hidden engravings not currently visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت در وضعیت خوب نسبت به سن خود قرار دارد”
  • “حباب شیشه‌ای سالم و بدون ترک‌خوردگی مشهود بوده”
  • “مغایرت موجود میان متن آگهی (اشاره به بدنه ریخته‌گری طلایی فرانسوی) و تصاویر واقعی (ساعت پیچشی با ستون‌های براق”

Open research questions

  • What is the manufacturer's mark, if any, hidden on the brass plates or base?
  • Does the suspension spring possess original characteristics or has it been replaced?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Torsion Pendulum Mantle Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement type8-day skeletonized brass plate movement“8 day Clock”
Oscillation systemFour-sphere torsion pendulum“پاندول پیچشی متشکل از چهار گوی مدور”
Dial featuresMatte white with black Roman numerals“صفحه ساعت به رنگ سفید مات طراحی شده و دور تا دور آن ارقام رومی (Roman Numerals) به رنگ مشکی چاپ شده‌اند”
Support structureTwo polished cylindrical columns on a wooden base“دو ستون استوانه‌ای با پرداخت براق از روی پایه چوبی به سمت بالا امتداد یافته”
EnclosureGlass dome cover“حباب شیشه‌ای گنبدی محافظ”
ConditionReported as good for age“Good condition for age”

Visible details

  • Matte white dial with Roman numerals
  • Four-sphere torsion pendulum
  • Skeletonized brass plate movement
  • Dome-covered mantle clock structure

Research qualifications

  • Discrepancy between original auction title describing a 'cast case' and visible torsion design
  • Lack of maker's marks or technical calibration specifications

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

Consulted source

Rare unusual Ornate French Cast Case Mantle clock –  8 day Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 49d7f4bb43

Terms in this record

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