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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Late 18th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock by Imbert Laine

Partially verified

This late 18th-century mantel clock is constructed with an ormolu (gilt bronze) case, featuring ornamental brass details. The design incorporates four cast brass pineapple finials at the top and simple side columns. A prominent brass carrying handle sits on a raised section above the dial, flanked by decorative sound frets. The front of the case includes a glazed window that permits a view of the pendulum. The clock is supported by four turned feet and features additional brass sound frets on the side panels. It houses a twin-train movement with an external count wheel mounted to the backplate. The 4-inch white enamel dial is signed by Imbert Laine and features black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals for the minutes, and gilt brass hands. The entire assembly measures 28 cm in height, 18 cm in width, and 10 cm in depth.

Front view of the Imbert Laine ormolu mantel clock showing the dial, hands, and case details.
Front view of the Imbert Laine ormolu mantel clock showing the dial, hands, and case details. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Imbert Laine
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Late 18th century
Source-reported place
Not established

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 External Design

The clock is housed in an ormolu case characterized by its metallic decorative elements. It features a raised top section surmounted by a brass carrying handle. The architectural composition includes simple columns located on the sides and four cast brass pineapple finials.

For acoustic purposes, the case incorporates decorative sound frets on both the upper raised section and the side panels. The base is supported by four turned feet. A glazed observation window is integrated into the front of the case, intended to provide visibility of the pendulum's motion.

Evidence for this section
  • “This late 18th-century mantel clock features an ormolu case, characterized by its ornamental brass and gilded details.”
  • “Four cast brass pineapple finials frame the top of the case, while simple columns adorn the sides.”
  • “The clock sits on four turned feet and features additional brass sound frets on the side panels.”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The clock features a 4-inch white enamel dial. The time display includes Roman numerals representing the hours and Arabic numerals marking the minutes. The assembly is finished with a set of gilt brass hands.

The dial bears the signature of the maker, Imbert Laine, identifying the attribution of the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 4-inch white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and finely painted Arabic numerals for the minutes, complemented by gilt brass hands.”
  • “The dial is signed by Imbert Laine.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

Internally, the clock is equipped with a twin-train movement. This configuration allows for the standard timekeeping function combined with an integrated striking mechanism.

The striking mechanism utilizes an external count wheel, which is positioned on the backplate of the movement. The backplate also bears the signature of Imbert Laine, consistent with the signature found on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The internal twin-train movement operates with an external count wheel mounted to the backplate, which is also signed by the maker.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the relationship between the Imbert Laine signature and identifiable workshops of the period?
  • Are there records of other clocks with identical count wheel backplate configurations associated with this maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Late 18th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock by Imbert Laine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialOrmolu (gilt bronze), brass, white enamel“Ormolu (gilt bronze), brass, white enamel”
Height28 cm“Measuring 28 cm in height”
Width18 cm“18 cm in width”
Depth10 cm“10 cm in depth”
Dial size4 inches“The 4-inch white enamel dial”
Movement typeTwin train“The internal twin-train movement operates with an external count wheel mounted to the backplate”

Visible details

  • Glazed aperture on the front panel revealing the pendulum
  • External count wheel mounted to the movement backplate
  • Signature Imbert Laine appears on the dial
  • Cast pineapple finials at the upper corners

Research qualifications

  • The dating to the late 18th century is based on an auction listing description
  • Provenance and specific history of the clock are not provided in the source

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

Consulted source

Late 18th century ormolu mantel clock by Imbert Laine

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 22ef3db7c4

Terms in this record

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

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