Empire Sienna Marble Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This mantle clock originates from France and is dated to circa 1870. The object is constructed primarily from Sienna marble, featuring a narrow vertical form designed for mantel placement.
The front panel displays an inlay of a vase motif crafted from malachite, set within a dark grey marble frame. Additional sections of the casing are composed of red-toned Griotte marble. The clock features a circular dial of white vitreous enamel fitted with moon-style hands. Mechanically, the clock operates with an 8-day movement that strikes on a bell on the hour and half-hour, with a facility to silence the striking mechanism.
The source notes that the movement is reported as undisturbed.
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
- Dial
- White vitreous enamel
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Style
- Empire
- Country
- France
- Movement
- 8-day movement with strike
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock housing is constructed from Sienna marble, providing a yellow-toned base for the decorative elements. The front face is embellished with a central inlay of a vase, executed in green malachite and framed by dark grey marble borders. The lower section of the case and secondary accents are fashioned from reddish Griotte marble, a material noted for its coloration. The dial is round, featuring white vitreous enamel. It is mounted with moon-style hands, which remain intact according to the source. The combination of varied decorative stone inlays and enamel dial surfaces is consistent with mid-to-late nineteenth-century French clock production for domestic display.
- Visible features
- • Front inlay features a malachite vase motif • Casing incorporates Sienna and Griotte marbles • White vitreous enamel dial with Roman numerals • Moon-style hour and minute hands
- Historical Context
- The object is identified as a French mantel clock dating to circa 1870. During this period, the use of ornamental marbles, such as the Sienna and Griotte varieties featured here, was prevalent in the creation of clocks intended for interior decoration. The construction follows the Empire style, emphasizing the use of natural stone as a decorative medium. The selection of specific marbles for contrast and the use of kiln-fired enamel dials are documented as common practices in the production of these luxury timepieces during the nineteenth century in France.
- Movement and Function
- The timepiece is equipped with a mechanical movement designed for an 8-day duration. It features an integrated striking system that chimes a bell on both the hour and the half-hour. The movement architecture includes a user-operable silence mechanism, allowing for the suppression of the striking function as desired. The source reports that the technical operation of the clock is functional, and the components within the movement are noted as being in an original or undisturbed state. The power reserve is specified at eight days, requiring manual winding to maintain consistent timekeeping.
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 source-provided dimensions of 34 x 11 x 19 mm are physically improbable for this clock type
- Research required: Actual manufacturer and specific workshop of origin are unconfirmed