French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th Century
This late 19th-century French gilt bronze mantel clock measures 23 1/2 inches in height. It features an ornate rococo-style case heavily decorated with floral garlands, openwork foliate scrolls, and a central pair of young children standing below the dial drum.
The segmented enameled dial is signed Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles, featuring blue Roman numeral cartouches, pierced black hands, and two winding arbors. The movement is stamped by Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris. Formerly in the Collection of Irina Bletnitsky, the clock is accompanied by a key and 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
- Date
- Late 19th Century
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Height
- 23 1/2 inches
- Provenance
- Collection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois
- Dial Signature
- Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles
- Movement Stamp
- Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles (dial) / Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris (movement)
- Included Accessories
- Key and pendulum
Design
- Visible features
- • Cast gilt bronze rococo case surmounted by a floral cluster. • Central figural group depicts two children, one holding a flute/pipe, standing below the dial drum. • Segmented dial composed of individual white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals surrounding an engraved gilt center. • Winding apertures located between IV–V and VII–VIII. • Pierced scrollwork base with shell motifs and scrolled feet.
- Dial and Mechanism
- The segmented dial is composed of individual white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals surrounding an engraved gilt center. It features pierced black hands and winding apertures between the IV–V and VII–VIII positions. The dial is signed 'Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles'. The movement is stamped 'Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris'. According to the source, the clock winds, runs, and strikes, though it has not been tested for duration or accuracy.
- Condition and Provenance
- The clock is accompanied by a key and a pendulum. Regarding its condition, the source reports a bright gold patina with normal wear and dust. The rear glass case cover is noted as detached but present. The clock is listed as property from the collection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois.
- Case Construction and Decorative Elements
- This late 19th-century mantel clock features a cast gilt bronze case executed in a rococo style. The form is embellished with floral garlands, openwork foliate scrolls, and a base featuring pierced scrollwork with shell motifs and scrolled feet. The top is surmounted by a floral cluster. A central figural group is positioned below the dial drum, depicting two children, one of whom holds a flute or pipe. The clock measures 23 1/2 inches in height.
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: Internal movement and pendulum are not depicted in the image.
- Research required: Source notes the rear glass case cover is detached but present.