French Empire Portico Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This French Empire-period portico mantel clock stands 52 cm high, 28 cm wide, and 11 cm deep. It features a architectural portico design supported by ormolu and marble pillars, accented with ormolu mounts and a top finial modeled as a basket of flowers.
The time is displayed on a convex dial, signed "Lefevre De Bella A Paris," which utilizes Roman numerals. The movement is an 8-day, bell-striking mechanism with a visible pendulum suspended by a silk thread. The clock is documented as having been recently serviced and is in working order. The auction description reports that the clock is in good condition for its age, though it exhibits slight signs of wear.
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
- Portico mantel clock
- Maker
- Lefevre De Bella
- Dimensions
- 52cm x 28cm x 11cm
- Suspension
- Silk
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Lefevre De Bella
Design
- Visible features
- • Convex white enamel dial with Roman numerals • Visible pendulum with silk thread suspension • Four-pillar architecture with ormolu capitals and bases • Ormolu flower basket finial at the center of the top cornice
- Case Construction
- The clock is housed in a portico-style case characterized by architectural uprights and a raised top cornice. The structure is supported by four pillars, which the source describes as being composed of ormolu and marble. These pillars terminate in detailed ormolu capitals and bases. The upper portion of the case is surmounted by a decorative ormolu basket of flowers. The central section of the clock is enclosed by glass, which allows for a full view of the oscillating pendulum and the internal suspension assembly.
- Dial and Movement
- The timekeeping is facilitated by an 8-day movement capable of striking a bell. The dial is described as convex in form and features a signature identifying the maker, Lefevre De Bella, based in Paris. The escapement utilizes a visible pendulum attached to a silk suspension system. The source states the movement was recently serviced and is currently in working order.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the clock is in good condition for its age. It notes that the item exhibits slight signs of use consistent with its history. The piece is attributed to the French Empire period with an approximate manufacturing date of circa 1830. The listing identifies the object as an early French-made portico clock.
Identification
- SKU
- 1471
- Reference
- 1471
- 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 full extent of the restoration or components replaced during the 'recently serviced' work is not specified
- Research required: The term 'Empire Period' is applied by the source for an object dated circa 1830