French Cartel Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
This decorative French cartel wall clock dates from the late 19th century and features an ornate case constructed in gilt metal. The case is decorated with rococo-style scrolls, floral motifs, and openwork elements, surmounted by an urn-shaped finial.
Its white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals, pierced gilt hands, and two winding apertures, positioned behind a side-opening convex glass door. The clock is powered by an unsigned French mechanical movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell.
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
- Cartel clock
- Dial type
- Enamel dial with Arabic numerals
- Case material
- Gilt metal
- Place recorded
- France
- Striking mechanism
- Strikes hours and half-hours on a bell
- Movement maker signature
- Unsigned
Design
- Dial and Access
- The clock is fitted with an enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and pierced gilt hands. Two winding holes are present on the dial face. A side-opening convex glass door provides access to the dial.
- Visible features
- • Surmounted by an urn-shaped finial with scrollwork handles • Elaborate gilt openwork lower section with acanthus leaf carving and drop finial • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and pierced gilt hands • Two winding apertures visible on the dial face
- Mechanical Movement
- The clock contains a French mechanical movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. The movement is unsigned, and no definitive maker attribution can be established from the source. While the auction listing notes similarities to movements produced by Japy Frères, the source clarifies that this is a stylistic comparison.
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The clock features an ornate case constructed from gilt metal. The decorative scheme incorporates rococo-style scrolls, floral motifs, and openwork elements. The top of the clock is surmounted by an urn-shaped finial featuring scrollwork handles. The lower portion of the case includes acanthus leaf carving and a drop finial.
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 unsigned; the auction listing's mention of Japy Frères is an unverified comparison.
- Research required: Internal mechanical movement and bell are not visible in the front photograph.