La Vallée bronze & gilt mantel timepiece

This very classy late 1960s small electro-magnetic timepiece stands only 7 inches tall, a perfect alternative to the more standard carriage clock. It requires no winding which may be more appealing to some.

The quality of the case and movement are as would be expected of La Vallée, an Italian clock-making company which manufactures very high quality pieces, often bespoke. Their website tells the full story – click here to link.

The case has a bronze body with gilt adornments of flowerheads to the front corners and a lyre to each side, and  a finely cast rope-twist bezel. The base and pediment are gilded, surmounted with a basket of flowers, again very finely cast. The base houses the large battery, hidden by a plate screwed into place with the four gilt feet.

The 2½ inch white enamel dial is in perfect condition, signed for La Vallée with Arabic numerals.

The electro-magnetic fully jewelled movement by Reform has a lever platform escapement, and is a variation of a rementoire-wound movement whereby a weighted lever is raised by a solenoid which then drives the mechanics. It is of a type and quality that we rarely see. The Reform Calibre 5000 movement was made by Schild from 1944 to the late 1960s. This clock probably dates from the end of the period. Further information can be found on pages 197-8 in this article in the Antiquarian Horology Society magazine.

The backplate has the initials R M inscribed in small fine script to the centre.

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

• Height: 18cms (7 inches)
• Width: 12.5cms (5 inches)
• Depth: 9cms (3½ inches)