French Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This early 19th-century French Louis XV-style mantel clock is housed in a gilt bronze case measuring 21 1/4 by 20 by 5 3/4 inches. The dial drum is surmounted by two winged cherubs, one resting beside it and the other holding an artist's palette, set over an ornate rocaille base decorated with scrollwork and fruit garlands.
The auction cataloguer identifies the movement as an eight-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension, marked 'L. Moinet, A Paris' and 'Douillon'.
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
- early 19th century
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Dimensions
- 21 1/4 x 20 x 5 3/4 inches
- Place recorded
- France
- Secondary Mark
- Douillon
- Movement Details
- French ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension
- Maker / attribution
- Louis Moinet
- Movement Inscription
- L. Moinet, A Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • Two sculpted winged cherubs flank the central circular clock drum, one holding an artist's palette. • The dial features individual Roman numeral cartouches mounted against a pierced and engraved gilt background. • The waisted base displays elaborate rococo scrollwork, fruit garlands, and a central cartouche with scientific and musical emblems beneath a winged cherub head.
- Dial and Reported Movement
- Visual observation shows that the dial features individual Roman numeral cartouches mounted against a pierced and engraved gilt background. The auction cataloguer describes the movement as a 'French ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension,' marked 'L. Moinet, A Paris' and 'Douillon.' The piece is dated in the description to the early 19th century.
- Condition and Incomplete Elements
- The cataloguer's condition report notes that the case exhibits spots of wear and the dial numerals are worn. It also states that one cherub is missing a pen, and the clock is missing its pendulum and back door. Regarding mechanical function, the seller's condition notes state that the strike was functional; broader running condition or complete servicing is not reported.
- Case Composition and Decorative Scheme
- The gilt bronze mantel clock measures 21 1/4 by 20 by 5 3/4 inches and is cataloged in the Louis XV style. As observed, two sculpted winged cherubs flank the circular central dial drum, with one holding an artist's palette, set over ornate scrollwork and fruit garlands. Observation of the waisted base shows rococo scrollwork, fruit garlands, and a central cartouche displaying scientific and musical emblems positioned beneath a winged cherub head.
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 auction condition report states the clock is missing its pendulum, back door, and a pen originally held by one cherub.
- Research required: The report notes spots of wear on the case and worn dial numerals, while confirming the strike train was functional.