Boulle mantel clock with ormolu
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This mantel clock, dating to circa 1870, is constructed in the Boulle style. The case features a decorative exterior surface of red shell inlaid with ormolu elements, complemented by cast ormolu mounts and a top finial.
The clock face is an original enamel dial displaying Roman numerals and includes a set of original hands. The clock is powered by a French movement with an eight-day power reserve and a bell-striking mechanism. The dimensions of the case are 37 centimeters in height, 20 centimeters in width, and 11 centimeters in depth. The exterior of the clock shows minor signs of age and wear consistent with its production period, while the interior houses the mechanical components accessible via a rear door.
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
- Date
- circa 1870
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Dial type
- Original enamel
- Case materials
- Ormolu and red shell
- Place recorded
- France
- Case dimensions
- 37 x 20 x 11 cm
- Movement duration
- 8 days
- Striking mechanism
- Bell striking
- Country of manufacture
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • The movement plate is visible in the rear view and appears to have a numerical stamp. • The clock face has Arabic numerals for minutes positioned outside the Roman numeral hour markers. • The case includes four scrolled feet supporting the structure.
- Mechanical Access
- Access to the movement and striking train is provided through a hinged door located at the rear of the clock case. This arrangement allows for winding and adjustment of the internal mechanisms, which include the bell and the movement plates. The interior construction is finished in a plain dark material, contrasting with the ornate exterior decor of the main body.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The front of the clock is dominated by an enamel dial, which the source describes as the original component. The dial features black Roman numerals for the hours, with small Arabic numeral markers indicating five-minute intervals. The movement is a French-made caliber featuring an eight-day power reserve. The clock is equipped with a bell-striking mechanism, which provides audible time signals.
- Case Design and Decoration
- The clock features a traditional mantel design adorned with Boulle-style marquetry. The case surface incorporates red shell inlay set against intricate ormolu mounts, which serve as both decorative and functional elements. The structure is elevated on four scrolled feet and is completed by a decorative finial at the top. The condition of the exterior is reported as good, although the surface exhibits slight wear and signs of age consistent with the late 19th-century origin.
Identification
- 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: The exact origin of the clock movement, beyond its identification as French, is not specified.
- Research required: The degree of restoration to the red shell and ormolu inlay is not detailed.