Franz Hermle & Sons Louis XV Style Marquetry Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Second Half 20th Century
This vintage Louis XV-style mantel clock dates to the second half of the 20th century and features a mechanical movement reported to be by Franz Hermle & Sons. The wooden case exhibits inlaid floral marquetry accented with cast gilt metal mounts, scrolled rococo-style feet, and a figural putto finial seated atop the upper pediment holding a horn.
The circular dial displays a cast gilt bronze center surrounded by individual enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals. The listing notes that the case was made in Italy, the movement is stamped 'FHS Germany', and the face carries a faux Tiffany label.
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
- Height
- 31 inches / 78.74 cm
- Materials
- Wood, Bronze, Enamel
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Movement Marking
- FHS Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Franz Hermle & Sons
Design
- Visible features
- • A sculptural gilt putto holding a horn sits atop the clock's upper pediment. • The dial features individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals set against an intricately patterned bronze center. • A lower glazed door section reveals an interior pendulum cavity framed by cast gilt mounts. • A small white cartouche below the dial bears a cursive 'Tiffany' script mark.
- Dial and Inscriptions
- The clock face is described as a circular doré bronze construction with enamel Roman numerals. Direct inspection shows individual white enamel cartouches bearing black Roman numerals set against an intricately patterned bronze center. A small white cartouche located below the dial displays a cursive 'Tiffany' script mark. The source description explicitly records this face marking as a 'faux Tiffany label'.
- Movement and Condition Reporting
- The listing reports that the movement was produced by Franz Hermle & Sons and is marked 'FHS Germany' on the movement, with original key and pendulum included. Because the movement mechanism itself is not visible in the provided photograph, this stamp and attribution remain unverified by direct observation. Regarding operating status, the source condition report states that the clock was 'Not in working order at the time of consignment' and exhibits 'Wear consistent with age and use.'
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The clock is designed in the Louis XV and Rococo style, measuring approximately 31 inches high, 14.25 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. Its wooden case features inlaid floral marquetry accented with gilt metal ornament, including scrolling feet and a figural putti finial. Visible observation shows the sculptural gilt putto holding a horn atop the upper pediment, as well as a lower glazed door section revealing an interior pendulum cavity framed by cast gilt mounts. Although the listing classifies the country of origin generally as Germany, the description specifically notes that the case was made in Italy.
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 movement is not visible in the photograph to independently confirm the reported 'FHS Germany' stamp.
- Research required: Source reports the clock was not in working order at the time of consignment.
- Research required: Source notes the face bears a faux Tiffany label.