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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Henry Marc Pendule Portative Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, identified as a 'Pendule Portative' (portable clock), is attributed to the clockmaker Henry Marc of Paris and dated to approximately 1850–1860. The clock features an ebonised oak case with molded trim and a folding handle at the top. The structure includes four beveled glass panels. The white dial displays Roman numerals, signed 'Henry Marc a Paris', and is surrounded by a gilded, engraved metal frame. The clock features tre-foil design hands. The mechanical movement is designed without a pendulum, resembling the architecture of a carriage clock, and includes a bell strike system that sounds at the hour and half-hour. A serial number, 18243, is stamped onto the brass back plate of the movement, and the number 45 is marked on the escape wheel assembly, suggesting component alignment.

Front view of the Henry Marc mantel clock showing the dial and brass handle.
Front view of the Henry Marc mantel clock showing the dial and brass handle. — It's About Time (The Clock & Watch Shop). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Henry Marc
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
18243
Source-reported date
circa 1850–1860
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
18243

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

The clock is housed in an ebonised oak case, characterized by a slender, molded form. The case design incorporates a folding handle at the top, facilitating its categorization as a 'Pendule Portative' or portable clock. Four beveled glass panels are integrated into the frame, allowing visibility of the internal movement from the sides and rear.

The dial features a clean, white finish with Roman numerals for hour indication. It is signed with the maker's name, 'Henry Marc a Paris'. The dial is framed by a gilded metal surround with engraved detailing. The clock utilizes tre-foil shaped hands to indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب بلوط آبنوس‌شده (Ebonised Oak) ساخته شده”
  • “محفظه دارای ۴ پنل شیشه‌ای لبه‌پخ (تراش‌خورده) است”
  • “نام سازنده، Henry Marc a Paris، بر روی آن درج شده است”
  • “عقربه‌ها دارای طرح سنتی سه‌پر یا شبدری (Tre-foil) هستند”

Movement and Strike Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by a mechanical movement designed without a pendulum. This specific architecture is noted to be derived from the style of carriage clocks, allowing for transport without the need for manual suspension mechanisms. The movement features an integrated bell strike system which emits a strike every hour and a single beat every half-hour.

The movement assembly includes internal numbering to ensure component matching. The escape wheel assembly is marked with the number 45, which is also replicated beneath the wheel, confirming the alignment of these parts. The serial number 18243 is engraved on the brass back plate of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت بدون آونگ طراحی شده و مجهز به سیستم زنگ کاسه‌ای است”
  • “مجهز به موتوری از نوع ساعت‌های کالسکه (Carriage clock) است”
  • “عدد ۴۵ بر روی مجموعه چرخ‌دنگ و همچنین زیر آن حک شده است”
  • “در پشت صفحه برنجی موتور نیز شماره سریال ۱۸۲۴۳ درج گردیده است”

Attribution and Condition

The clock is attributed to the Parisian maker Henry Marc and is placed within a production window of 1850–1860. The glass panels are reported to be original to the piece.

Prospective owners are encouraged to verify the mechanical state of the movement, including the springs, winding function, and the striking mechanism. The integrity of the wood casing and glass panels should be examined as part of an assessment of the object's current condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “اثری از ساعت‌ساز شناخته‌شده Henry Marc در پاریس”
  • “ساز نامدار پاریسی Henry Marc در دوره ۱۸۵۰ الی ۱۸۶۰”

Open research questions

  • Does the 18243 serial number correlate with Henry Marc's known production logs from the 1850s?
  • Are there secondary marks on the case indicating the original cabinetry workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Marc Pendule Portative Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHenry Marc“Henry Marc a Paris”
Datingcirca 1850–1860“حدود ۱۸۵۰–۱۸۶۰”
OriginParis, France“Henry Marc در پاریس”
Case materialEbonised Oak“چوب بلوط آبنوس‌شده (Ebonised Oak)”
Movement serial18243“شماره سریال ۱۸۲۴۳”
Escapement mark45“عدد ۴۵ بر روی مجموعه چرخ‌دنگ و همچنین زیر آن حک شده است”
Strike systemBell strike at hour and half-hour“در هر ساعت کامل نواخته شده و در نیم‌ساعت‌ها نیز یک ضربه زنگ می‌زند”

Visible details

  • Folding brass handle attached to the top of the case
  • Four beveled glass panels surrounding the movement
  • White dial with Roman numerals signed 'Henry Marc a Paris'
  • Tre-foil (shabdari) style clock hands

Research qualifications

  • The integrity of the ebonised oak wood finish remains unverified
  • Functionality of the strike mechanism and escapement has not been independently tested

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

Consulted source

Mantel Clock by Henry Marc

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3898ba78be

Terms in this record

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

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