French gilt-metal mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
The design features an architectural form characterized by grooved pillars topped with Corinthian-style capitals and a central dome surmounted by a central finial, with four smaller finials positioned at the corners.
The clock face is metallic, featuring Arabic numerals and decorative central patterns, protected by a hinged door with convex glass. It includes two winding arbors. The rear of the clock is accessed via a hinged circular door with decorative open-work grating. Internal mechanisms include a spring-driven movement and a gong sound component. The source reports the object is in good working order and composed of original parts, noting natural signs of aging on the case and dial.
There is a stated discrepancy regarding materials in the provided vendor text.
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 1850
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Origin
- France
- Material
- Metal with brass-tone finish
- Movement
- Mechanical with gong
- Condition
- In good working order
- Dial details
- Arabic numerals
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Case constructed with metal and brass-tone finish • Features four corner finials and one central finial on a dome • Dial contains Arabic numerals and two winding holes • Rear panel features circular hinged door with perforated metal grill
- Dial and Mechanical Components
- The clock face is constructed of metal, featuring Arabic numerals set within an outer ring and a central decorative design. The dial is equipped with two winding arbors, allowing for the operation of the timekeeping and striking functions. Upon opening the rear circular door, the internal mechanical movement is accessible. The clock utilizes a spring-driven mechanism and includes a gong to signal time. According to the auction description, the movement is identified as part of the clock's original composition and is currently in functional condition.
- Case and Aesthetic Construction
- The clock features a metal construction finished with a brass-toned appearance. Its architectural style is defined by grooved columns topped with Corinthian-style capitals. The upper section is composed of a dome structure featuring a central finial, accompanied by four smaller finials positioned at the four corners of the top plate. The rear of the case is accessible through a circular hinged door, which is fitted with a decorative, perforated metal grill. The front dial is protected by a hinged bezel containing convex glass, which opens to reveal the metallic dial face.
- Vendor Attribution and Discrepancies
- The source material attributes the object to the Victorian period, originating from France around 1850. While the auction description reports that the clock is entirely original and in good working order, the source provides a specific disclaimer regarding the veracity of the vendor's descriptive text. There is a noted contradiction between the vendor's text—which references 'Boulle' marquetry—and the physical appearance of the object, which is clearly constructed of metal without the described veneers. Collectors are advised to inspect the clock for maker's marks on the movement to reconcile these descriptive discrepancies.
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: Source text claims 'Boulle' material despite visual evidence of all-metal construction
- Research required: Actual internal mechanical markings remain unverified by photos