Franz Hermle and Sons Rococo style bronze mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
This mantel clock is an elaborate, architectural timekeeping piece executed in a Rococo style. Constructed primarily of cast bronze, the case features extensive relief ornamentation characteristic of the period, including detailed scrollwork, floral motifs, shell patterns, griffins, and wind demon masks, also referred to as mascarons.
The clock is raised on shaped supports and features a central foot for stability. The circular dial is integrated into the architectural frame and contains twelve individual enameled Roman numeral sections arranged around a decorative, engine-turned-style bronze center. The internal mechanism is a German movement, attributed to the maker Franz Hermle and Sons. The clock stands as an example of decorative arts produced in the late 19th century, utilizing traditional casting and finishing techniques to achieve its highly textured and sculptural aesthetic.
The design reflects a revivalist approach, incorporating various decorative elements that create a balanced yet complex silhouette, typical of luxury mantel clocks of the era.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- bronze, enamel
Technical characteristics
- Movement
- German movement
Design
- Dial
- enameled Roman numeral sections
- Motifs
- shell, floral, scroll, griffins, wind demon mask (mascaron)
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Franz Hermle and Sons
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.