French Gilt Bronze Drumhead Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1875
This late 19th-century French mantel clock features a circular drumhead-style case constructed from gilt bronze. The clock sits on an architectural base adorned with cast scrollwork, floral pendants, and acanthus leaves, supported by bun feet.
Centrally mounted on the lower section is an oval Sèvres-style plaque decorated with a purple pheasant in a natural landscape. The white dial features Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and spade-style gilt metal hands. According to the source, the dial is a replacement. The cylindrical case body displays raised grooves and a leaf-molded bezel. The movement offers an eight-day duration with hour and half-hour striking on a bell.
The back plate of the mechanism bears an oval JBD stamp. The clock includes a pendulum and winding key and is reported by the source as having been fully serviced and overhauled to functional condition.
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
- Dial
- replacement
- Type
- Drumhead mantel clock
- Mechanism
- eight-day duration
- Signature
- JBD
- Dimensions
- 26cm x 26cm x 12cm
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- JBD
Design
- Visible features
- • Spade-style gilt metal hands • Oval Sèvres-style plaque with pheasant painting • Cast acanthus leaf and scroll decorative elements • Cylindrical ribbed case body
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- It is composed of gilt bronze and incorporates detailed cast metalwork. The architectural base is embellished with scrolling motifs, floral swags, and acanthus leaf detailing. A prominent visual feature is the central oval plaque, described as being in the Sèvres style, which depicts a purple pheasant within a pastoral scene. The upper portion of the case is cylindrical with ribbed sides and a decorative leaf-molded bezel surrounding the dial. The assembly is raised on rounded bun feet, providing a stable foundation for the ornate upper structure.
- Condition and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to France and dated to circa 1875. The auction description reports that the gilding on the body remains in good condition, showing only minor wear without evidence of improper polishing. The Sèvres-style decorative plaque is noted to be in excellent condition. It is explicitly stated by the source that the white dial with Roman numerals is a replacement component. The clock is supplied with its pendulum and winding key, though the source advises collectors to inspect the status of these internal components upon acquisition.
- Movement and Functionality
- The clock is powered by a mechanical movement with an eight-day power reserve. It provides a striking function, signaling both hours and half-hours using a bell. The mechanism is adjusted via a Brocot escapement, a feature intended for precision time regulation. The back plate of the movement carries an oval stamp marked JBD. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a complete service and overhaul, confirming its functional state. Access to the movement is provided via a perforated metal door at the rear of the case.
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 dial is reported as a replacement
- Research required: Authenticity of individual components including the pendulum and key should be verified