French Four-Glass Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This French four-glass mantel clock, dated to approximately 1890, is constructed with an ormolu case and four bevelled glass panels. The enamel dial features black Arabic numerals and a hand-painted depiction of the 'Father of Time'.
It incorporates a swinging pendulum, described as an 'Ellicott' style design, which features two polished brass side rods flanking a central steel rod, with floral engraving on the pendulum bob. The clock strikes on the hour and half-hour. The movement is suspended by a silk thread. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 27 cm in height, 17 cm in width, and 14 cm in depth.
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
- Four glass mantel clock
- Dating
- circa 1890
- Dimensions
- 27cm high, 17cm wide, 14cm depth
- Case materials
- Ormolu, four bevelled glass panels
- Place recorded
- France
- Dial decoration
- Father of Time
- Striking mechanism
- Bell striking on half hour and hour
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock features an ormolu case designed in the four-glass style, also known as a French crystal regulator. The structure comprises a metal frame holding four clear glass panels at the front, back, and sides, intended to provide visibility of the internal mechanics and the swinging pendulum. The white enamel dial is embellished with a hand-painted scene featuring the figure of Father of Time. It displays black Arabic numerals for the hours. The clock retains its original hands and is front-winding through the dial.
- Visible features
- • Hand-painted Father of Time scene on dial • Ellicott-style pendulum with floral engraving • Silk suspension visible • Four-glass panel construction
- Historical Context
- This style of mantel clock was popularized in France during the late 19th century, specifically between 1870 and 1910. The description notes that 19th-century French makers frequently employed this specific pendulum design, which the source refers to as the 'French Ellicott' aesthetic.
- Movement and Pendulum
- The timepiece utilizes a movement suspended on a silk thread. It is equipped with an Ellicott-style pendulum, characterized by its construction of two polished brass side rods framing a central steel rod. The circular pendulum bob is decorated with floral engravings. The mechanism is configured to strike the hours and half-hours on a bell. The auction description reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently in working order.
Identification
- SKU
- JN62
- Reference
- JN62
- 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: Originality of the silk suspension is not explicitly stated
- Research required: Attribution to a specific maker is not provided