French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mounted Black Marble Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
This French Neoclassical style mantel clock features a case crafted from veined black marble, adorned with elaborate gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts. The design is topped with a prominent gilded finial in the form of a seated lion, positioned above an acanthus-molded cornice.
The front face hosts a white dial decorated with Roman numerals and framed by ornate rococo-style corner spandrel appliques. Further neoclassical details include lion head ring handles attached to the sides of the marble body. The clock is supported by a stepped marble base that rests upon four acanthus-scrolled gilt-bronze feet. The piece exhibits a combination of Empire and Neoclassical aesthetic influences, utilizing heavy marble construction balanced by intricate gold-toned metal detailing.
It is powered by a modern quartz battery-operated movement, distinguishing it as a contemporary decorative object designed in a traditional, historical style. The overall dimensions of the clock are 18 by 9 by 5 inches, providing a substantial presence suitable for a mantel or shelf display.
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
- veined black marble, gilt bronze (ormolu)
- Dimensions
- 18 x 9 x 5 inches
Technical characteristics
- Movement
- quartz battery-operated movement
Design
- Dial
- white dial with Roman numerals
- Motifs
- lion finial, lion mask side ring handles, acanthus leaf molding, rococo spandrels
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.