French Marble and Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
This French mantel clock, dating to the late 19th century, is constructed from a combination of patinated metal, marble, and black slate, exhibiting an architectural, Neoclassical design.
The clock features a circular dial with Roman numerals and an open escapement, which is distinctively centered by an inlaid malachite roundel. The lower section houses a visible mercury compensated pendulum within a glazed compartment, flanked by decorative columns. The timepiece is adorned with metalwork accents and contrasting marble panels. It is designed to strike the hour on a bell. The overall structure is substantial, measuring approximately 18.75 inches in height, 14.5 inches in width, and 7.5 inches in depth.
This timepiece reflects the decorative arts style popular during the period, characterized by the integration of natural stone elements with traditional horological mechanics. Its form incorporates both robust slate casing and intricate metal details, creating a balanced aesthetic typical of high-quality mantel clocks from the late 19th century.
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
- Materials
- ["patinated metal", "marble", "black slate", "malachite"]
- Dimensions
- 18.75" H x 14.5" W x 7.5" D
Technical characteristics
- Features
- open escapement
- Movement
- strike on bell
- Mechanism
- mercury compensated pendulum
Design
- Dial
- circular with Roman numerals
- Motifs
- architectural, Neoclassical
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.