French Empire style small ormolu mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 19th century and later
This unsigned French Empire style mantel clock, attributed by the auction house to Paris from the early nineteenth century and later, features a cast ormolu arched case measuring 21 cm in height.
The case is decorated with cast draped fringed fabric over the top, framed festoon curtains, and a faux run of leather-bound books beneath the dial. The 3.25-inch circular white enamel dial features Roman numerals and steel moon hands, enclosed within an anthemion-milled surround and ropetwist bezel. Below, a skirt base embellished with leaf mouldings and a central rose wreath mount is supported by turned feet. The source notes a circular eight-day movement with Brocot regulation, anchor escapement, and bell strike, lacking its pendulum.
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
- Mantel clock
- Condition note
- Lacking pendulum
- Place recorded
- France
- Dial dimensions
- 3.25 inch circular white enamel dial
- Maker attribution
- Unsigned, probably Paris
- Overall dimensions
- 21cm high, 14.5cm wide
- Movement description
- Circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement
- Suspension regulation
- Brocot type regulation to suspension
Design
- Visible features
- • Arched gilded case draped with cast fringed fabric over the summit • Faux run of book spines framed by swagged drapery set beneath the dial • White enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals, pierced steel moon hands, two winding squares, and a regulation arbor above XII • Anthemion and ropetwist milled bezel surrounding the convex dial glass • Rectangular skirted base with floral and rose wreath relief resting on four dark turned feet
- Movement and Status
- The clock contains a circular eight-day, countwheel bell-striking movement featuring an anchor escapement and Brocot-type regulation. The auction record explicitly describes the movement as a later addition to the case. The clock is reported as lacking its pendulum.
- Dial and Bezel Configuration
- The time is displayed on a 3.25-inch circular white enamel dial featuring Roman numerals and pierced steel moon hands. The dial is enclosed within a surround milled with repeating anthemion motifs. The dial is fronted by a hinged, convex-glazed bezel finished with ropetwist decoration.
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The clock is housed in a cast ormolu arched case measuring 21 cm (8.25 inches) in height and 14.5 cm (5.75 inches) in width. The decorative elements include a mount cast as fringed fabric draped over the top of the case. A secondary decorative motif consists of a faux run of leather-bound books, which is framed by tied festoon curtains positioned beneath the dial. The clock stands on a skirt base featuring repeating leaf-cast mouldings and a central mount depicting a rose wreath and floral fronds, supported by turned feet.
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 auctioneer notes 'Now with', suggesting the movement is a later replacement.
- Research required: Catalog explicitly records the clock as lacking its pendulum.
- Research required: Internal movement and rear glazed cover are not visible in the primary image.