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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Laine a Paris Pendule Portative

Partially verified

This mantel clock, identified as an early 'pendule portative', is housed in a slim rosewood case featuring boxwood line inlays and marquetry decoration. The movement, signed 'Laine a Paris' and numbered 430, is an eight-day mechanism with a silk suspension that allows for portability without the need to remove the pendulum. The clock features a bell strike on the hour and half-hour, utilizing a 'countwheel' system that provides an option for silent operation. The dial is silvered and engine-turned, displaying Roman numerals and blued hands in the Breguet style. The clock measures 220 × 160 × 130 mm. The auction description notes the presence of two minor chips on the inner edge of the original glass. The object is attributed to the period circa 1830-50 and reflects the design traditions of French portable clocks from this era.

Front view of the rosewood mantel clock showing the silvered engine-turned dial, Breguet-style hands, and floral marquetry.
Front view of the rosewood mantel clock showing the silvered engine-turned dial, Breguet-style hands, and floral marquetry. — The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
theclockandwatchshop.co.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Laine a Paris
Reference
CL-MA-1535
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1830-50
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
430

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 clock is housed in a slim rosewood case ornamented with boxwood line inlays and floral marquetry decoration. The design includes a brass carrying handle, facilitating its identification as a 'pendule portative'.

The dial is a round, silvered, engine-turned piece featuring Roman numerals and blued hands in the Breguet style. A brass bezel secures the dial, which shows minor wear on the inner edge of the original glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “A fine and slim Rosewood mantel clock with boxwood line inlays and marquetry decoration”
  • “The round 'engine turned' silvered dial showing Roman numerals and blued hands in the Breguet style.”
  • “On the inner edge of the glass there are two very small chips which are only noticeable if looking closely”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is an eight-day mechanism signed by Laine a Paris and marked with the serial number 430. It utilizes a silk suspension, which is described as a feature that allows the clock to be moved without the necessity of detaching the pendulum.

The striking train is controlled by a countwheel, which provides the capability for the user to disable the strike function. The clock sounds on a bell for both the hour and half-hour.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is stamped Laine a Paris and has the number 430.”
  • “This early 'pendule portative' as they are known in France is a truly portable clock as it has a silk suspension”
  • “This clock has 'countwheel' strike which means that you can choose to run the clock silently if you wish.”

Provenance and Attribution

The clock is attributed to the French market circa 1830-50. The maker is identified as Laine a Paris, a name associated with other pieces held in various museum collections.

The specific identity of the maker remains subject to the information provided in the source, which confirms the existence of other clocks by Laine.

Evidence for this section
  • “There are clocks by Laine in museums and collections.”
  • “Circa 1830-50.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific archival record for the clockmaker Laine a Paris operating between 1830 and 1850?
  • Does the serial number 430 correlate with any known production logs for this maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Laine a Paris Pendule Portative
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLaine a Paris“The movement is stamped Laine a Paris”
Serial Number430“has the number 430”
DatingCirca 1830-50“Circa 1830-50”
Dimensions220 × 160 × 130 mm“220 × 160 × 130 mm”
Strike mechanismCountwheel strike“This clock has 'countwheel' strike which means that you can choose to run the clock silently if you wish.”
Dial descriptionEngine-turned silvered“The round 'engine turned' silvered dial showing Roman numerals and blued hands in the Breguet style.”
Condition reportTwo chips on glass“On the inner edge of the glass there are two very small chips which are only noticeable if looking closely”

Visible details

  • Silvered, engine-turned dial with Roman numerals
  • Rosewood case with floral marquetry and boxwood inlay
  • Brass handle mounted on top of the case
  • Visible silk suspension for the pendulum

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to the period circa 1830-50 is approximate
  • Exact history of the maker 'Laine' is not documented beyond the presence of similar clocks in collections

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

Consulted source

Laine a Paris – Pendule

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d011b589ca

Terms in this record

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

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