French Empire Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This French Empire mantel clock, dating to approximately 1830, features a solid bronze case with ormolu elements. The composition centers on a figure of a seated lady accompanied by a dog, positioned next to a tree-form housing for the clock dial.
The dial displays black Roman numerals and is fitted with black Empire-style steel hands. The movement is a French bell-striking type with a silk suspension mechanism. The clock measures 49 cm in height, 36 cm in width, and 16 cm in depth. The object currently incorporates two bevelled glass bezels, added during its history to protect the dial and movement, as it was originally designed as an open bezel clock meant to be housed under a glass dome.
It is reported to be in working order following a recent service and includes its pendulum and winding key.
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 1830
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Reference
- JN78
- Dimensions
- 49 x 36 x 16 cm
- Suspension
- Silk
- Case material
- Solid bronze
- Movement type
- French bell striking
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Seated female figure beside a dog • Black Roman numerals on ormolu dial • Carved bracket feet • Bell-striking movement with silk suspension
- Movement and Dial
- The dial is made of ormolu and features black Roman numerals paired with black Empire-style steel hands. It is a front-wind configuration. The clock is powered by a French bell-striking movement, which utilizes a silk suspension system. The auction description reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently in working order. The clock includes its original pendulum and a winding key.
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The clock is constructed from solid bronze with an ormolu finish, featuring a detailed figural group on a rectangular base. The primary decorative elements include a female figure seated beside a dog, arranged against a tree-trunk-shaped support. The base is decorated with applied ormolu mounts and supported by carved bracket feet. The original design of the clock was an open bezel configuration intended for display under a glass dome. It has since been modified to include two custom-made bevelled glass bezels, which are included with the object. The metal finish is noted as the original finish to the case.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the clock is in excellent antique condition. The ormolu mounts are noted to retain their original luster and chasing detail. While the description refers to the presence of Boulle marquetry, the primary material identified elsewhere is solid bronze. The clock is attributed to a French origin and dated to circa 1830. Documentation indicates that while the dial and movement are signed, the specific manufacturer name is not explicitly identified in the source text.
Identification
- Reference
- JN78
- 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: Boulle marquetry condition claim is incongruent with the bronze case description
- Research required: Specific maker's signature remains unverified by the provided text