French cubed mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1880
This antique French mantel clock, identified as a cubed mantel clock, dates to approximately 1880. The case is constructed from dark wood in an architectural form, enhanced with gilded bronze ormolu mounts.
The top of the clock features a figurative bronze ormolu finial in the shape of a winged cherub. The sides of the case are decorated with bronze grilles depicting lyre motifs and foliage, with perforated bronze lattice work at the crown. The clock stands on four gilded bronze bracket feet. The dial is white with black Arabic numerals and minute divisions, paired with ornate metal hands. The source states that the dial and hands are original.
Power is provided by an eight-day spring-driven French movement featuring a gong-striking mechanism. Access to the movement is provided via a circular pierced bronze door at the rear. The seller reports the clock is in good working order, with surface wear consistent with age.
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
- Origin
- France
- Movement
- 8-day spring-driven
- Striking
- Gong
- Originality
- Dial and hands are original
- Working Order
- Good
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • The clock features a winged cherub ormolu figure acting as a finial on the top. • Side panels are decorated with bronze grilles featuring a lyre motif surrounded by foliage. • The dial is white with black Arabic numerals and includes minute divisions. • The clock stands on four ornamental gilded bronze bracket feet.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The clock displays time via a white dial featuring black Arabic numerals and precise minute track divisions. The ornamentation is completed by a set of decorative metal hands. According to the provided documentation, the dial and hands are original to the timepiece. The timekeeping is powered by an eight-day, spring-driven French movement. In addition to indicating the time, the movement is equipped with a gong-striking mechanism designed to chime the hours. Access to these mechanical parts is achieved through the rear of the clock.
- Case and Exterior Design
- The top section features a prominent figurative finial depicting a winged cherub. Decorative bronze grilles are positioned on the sides, featuring motifs of a lyre (lira) surrounded by foliage. Further ornamentation is provided by perforated bronze lattice work atop the case. The structure is supported by four gilded bronze bracket feet with intricate casting. The rear of the case contains a circular pierced bronze door, which allows access to the internal components of the movement.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the clock is in good working order and that the movement is currently active. Natural signs of wear and aging are present on the wooden body and the gilded bronze feet. The source notes that there are no specific maker's marks or serial numbers provided in the available documentation.
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: No specific maker, mark, or workshop signature has been identified in the source text.
- Research required: The internal condition of the mainsprings, pendulum, or balance wheel is unverified by the source.
- Research required: The precise dimensions and total weight of the object are not provided.