Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock with Dolphins by Achille Brocot
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1880
This French gilt bronze mantel clock, dated by the dealer to circa 1880, is attributed to maker Achille Brocot, whose mark is reported on the movement backplate.
Crafted in a Baroque style, the cast case features trailing foliage, paw feet, an urn finial, and flanking dolphin figures. The circular white dial features Roman numerals, outer minute markings, and pierced hands behind convex glass. The source reports an eight-day striking movement operating on a bell with an original pendulum.
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.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Dating
- Circa 1880
- Dimensions
- 42 cm high, 23 cm wide, 12.5 cm deep
- Movement mark
- Achille Brocot mark on backplate
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker attribution
- Achille Brocot
- Dial specification
- Porcelain enamel on copper with convex glass
- Maker / attribution
- Achille Brocot
- Movement duration and bell strike
- 8-day movement striking hours and half-hours on a bell
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt bronze architectural case surmounted by an urn finial with scrolling handles • Flanking stylised dolphin figures resting on the lower case tier • Four foliate paw feet supporting an embellished plinth base • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and dual winding arbors • Fretted gilt hands positioned over the dial
- Case Composition and Ornamentation
- The mantel clock features an architectural gilt bronze case measuring 42 cm high, 23 cm wide, and 12.5 cm deep. Catalogued by the seller as a Baroque design, the cast metal structure incorporates scrolling and trailing foliage, set upon four hairy paw feet over an embellished base. An urn finial decorated with scrolling side handles surmounts the top of the case. The central housing is flanked on the lower tier by two cast stylised dolphin figures resting above the base moulding.
- Movement Cataloguing and Attribution
- The movement is not visible in the primary exterior photograph, with mechanical details derived entirely from the seller's cataloguing. The vendor states that the clock contains an eight-day striking French movement stamped with the Achille Brocot mark on the backplate, striking the hours and half-hours on a bell. The clock is dated by the dealer to circa 1880 and was listed as accompanied by its bell, a suitable key, and its original pendulum. Internal mechanical condition, marks, and historical overhaul claims cannot be independently verified from the exterior front view.
- Dial Configuration and Reported Condition
- The circular dial is catalogued as porcelain enamel over copper, covered by convex glass and fitted with fretted gilt hands. The face displays black Roman numeral hour chapters, outer minute track markings, and two winding arbors positioned in the lower dial sector. The dealer reports that the original gilding on the bronze case is clean with little wear or discolouration and no losses. On the dial, condition notes record minor damage consisting of tiny nibbles above the twelve o'clock position and a small chip adjacent to the '30' minute numeral, stated to be partially concealed when the bezel is closed.
Identification
- Reference
- SA1008300
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement backplate, Brocot maker mark, bell, and pendulum are concealed inside the case and not visible in this image
- Research required: Source notes minor dial damage consisting of tiny nibbles above twelve o'clock and a small chip near the 30 minute numeral