French-origin mantel clock. Marked "POTONIE PARIS" on the dial and movement. A decorative rosewood veneered case of diminutive scale. CCC-29.

This beauty, a circa 1850 French-made mantel clock, was designed to be attractive and somewhat portable. It features a silk thread suspension. This allowed it to be carried by the handle or relocated from one room to another without removing the pendulum. In addition, the silk thread setup helps prevent the pendulum from damaging the escapement. Many of these clocks were made for export to the UK.

The case is constructed in oak and veneered in rosewood. It is decorated with boxwood line inlays. The base is elevated on pad feet. The pedestal base supports that rectangular-shaped case. The front of the case features a large glass panel that protects the dial. The case sides feature diamond-shaped windows that allow one to view the clock mechanism. The back of the case has a wooden access panel. Remove this door, and one can access the works. The top of the case is fitted with a fancy brass carrying handle.

The white enamel features a painted time ring. The minute ring is closed, and dots are used at the five-minute locations. The Arabic-style hours are located inside the minute ring. The Retailer's / Manufacture's name is also signed here on the bottom. Fancy steel-formed hands indicate the time.

The brass-constructed movement is of very good quality. The movement plates are circular. The back plate is stamped die-stamped by the Maker, "MOUV.FIN / D POTONIE & CO / 5904 / PARIS.” The works are spring powered and designed to run eight days on a full wind and to strike each hour on the hour on a bell that is mounted at the back of the movement. This clock also strikes once each half hour. The strike is actuated by a count wheel which is mounted on the backplate. The brass-faced pendulum bob is fitted to a steel rod with a shaped hook at the top. The pendulum connects to the movement via a thread. The height of the loop created by the length of the thread is adjustable and can be manipulated to adjust the rate of the clock. The adjustment is performed by turning the knob at the top of the works. This connection also protects the escapement.

This clock measures approximately 9.5 inches tall, with the handle in the upright position, 6.25 inches wide, and 5.25 inches deep.

Inventory number CCC-29.