Cailly Freres French Figural Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1880
This French mantel clock, manufactured circa 1880, features a figural bronze sculpture of a royal or scholarly figure leaning against a tree trunk. The figure holds a book, with a scepter placed beside it, set upon a stepped brass base decorated with acanthus leaf motifs.
The circular dial displays Roman numerals and bears the signature of the maker, Cailly Freres. The internal movement is a two-train mechanical system equipped with a silk suspension for the pendulum and an outside countwheel striking mechanism. The timepiece is composed of a combination of bronze, brass, and ormolu (gilt bronze) elements. The movement is visible from the rear, exposing the bell and countwheel assembly.
The auction description reports the clock as having an impressive visual appearance, though it notes that technical service records are unavailable.
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 1880
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Cailly Freres
- Materials
- Bronze, brass, and ormolu
- Suspension
- Silk suspension
- Movement type
- Two-train mechanical
- Place recorded
- France
- Striking system
- Outside countwheel
- Maker / attribution
- Cailly Freres
- Country of manufacture
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Figure includes a royal scepter and book • Dial is signed 'CAILLY FRERES' at the bottom • Outside countwheel is mounted on the movement backplate • Case incorporates contrasting brass, bronze, and ormolu finishes
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock is designed as a sculptural mantel piece, centering on a cast bronze figure of a royal or courtly individual. The subject is depicted in a reclining pose against a naturalistic tree stump, clutching a book in one hand, while a scepter rests at their side. The sculpture rests upon a rectangular stepped base finished in bright brass, embellished with relief carvings of acanthus leaves and decorative scrollwork. The circular dial is set into the base structure, surrounded by a gilt decorative frame. It features a patterned center and standard Roman numerals for the hour markers. The maker's signature, 'Cailly Freres', is clearly engraved on the lower section of the dial face, confirming the provenance of the piece.
- Movement and Mechanism
- Internally, the clock is powered by a two-train mechanical movement designed to drive both timekeeping and striking functions. The escapement utilizes a traditional silk suspension system, which is a characteristic feature of late 19th-century French mantle clocks of this type. The striking mechanism is configured with an outside countwheel, which is visible from the rear of the clock case. This system actuates a hammer that strikes against an exposed metallic bell mounted to the rear of the movement housing. This design allows for the direct observation of the strike train operation during the activation of the chime.
- Reported Condition and Considerations
- The auction description reports the clock is in overall excellent visual condition with high-quality fabrication of the decorative elements. The piece retains its gilded and bronze finishes, which define its aesthetic profile. It is recommended to verify the integrity of the silk suspension, the operation of the strike train, and the condition of the mainsprings, as well as to ensure the presence of a compatible winding key before attempting to operate the mechanism.
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: Service history and mechanical functionality remain unverified
- Research required: The specific identity of the figural subject is subject to interpretation