French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This French mantel clock, dated by the source to circa 1830, features an ormolu bronze case mounted on turned feet. The clock stands 32.5cm high, 24.5cm wide, and 9cm deep.
Its dial is enamel with black Roman numerals and an engine-turned centre, set with Empire-style blue steel hands. The piece includes an eight-day movement with bell striking for the hours and half-hours, utilizing a silk suspension system. The case design incorporates a figure of a youth holding a book, balanced by a torch and palm frond motif. The movement is accessed via an open front and back bezel. The object is accompanied by a winding key and pendulum.
The auction description reports the clock is in working order and was recently serviced.
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
- Duration
- 8-day
- Striking
- Bell striking
- Materials
- Ormolu bronze
- Dimensions
- 32.5cm x 24.5cm x 9cm
- Suspension
- Silk
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Movement
- The clock is equipped with a French 8-day duration movement capable of striking both the hours and the half-hours on a bell. The mechanism utilizes a silk suspension system for the pendulum. The movement is fully accessible due to the open-bezel design at both the front and rear of the clock. According to the provided information, the object is currently in working order and has recently undergone a service.
- Case and Dial
- The clock is constructed with an ormolu bronze case, which includes the primary housing for the dial and a decorative rectangular base. The case features relief ornament on its front, depicting a figure holding a book, complemented by a torch and palm frond motif to the right of the dial. The base is embellished with relief carvings of two seated figures flanking a central globe. The clock stands on turned ormolu feet. The dial is composed of enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and an engine-turned centre, which is consistent with the cited style. It is fitted with Empire-style blue steel hands. The clock is designed with open front and back bezels, allowing visibility into the movement housing.
- Visible features
- • Case features a standing youth and a torch motif • Dial has an engine-turned center and black Roman numerals • Movement is exposed via open front and back bezels • Base features relief carvings of two seated figures and a central globe
- Condition and Accessories
- The auction description reports that the clock retains its original finish to the case. It is described as being in terrific condition. The clock is supplied with a winding key and its corresponding pendulum. The total dimensions of the assembly are 32.5cm in height, 24.5cm in width, and 9cm in depth.
Identification
- SKU
- JN51
- Serial number
- JN51
- 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 exact maker is not identified
- Research required: The source provides only an approximate date of 1830