French Mantel Clock with Champlevé Enamel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1885
This antique French mantel clock, dated circa 1885 by the source, features an architectural cast brass case decorated with champlevé enameling in black, red, blue, and white.
An arched pediment topped by a domed cupola and an openwork ball-and-spire finial is flanked by corner spires and sculpted putti figures, including one seated at the upper arch and two leaning against flanking columns. The dial features engraved Roman numerals, trident-style hands, and two winding arbors. The dealer reports that the clock houses an eight-day key-wind movement striking on a bell at the hour and half-hour, resting on a stepped plinth base with turned brass feet.
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 1885
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Movement
- Eight-day key-wind with hour and half-hour bell strike
- Dimensions
- 16″H x 8 1/2″W x 6 1/2″D
- Case Material
- Cast brass with champlevé enameling
- Enamel Colors
- Black, red, blue, and white
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Cast brass architectural case with ornamental champlevé enamel panels in blue, red, black, and white. • Sculpted gilt putti figures positioned at the pediment arch and beside the front flanking columns. • Recessed gilt dial with black-filled Roman numerals, trident-style hands, and two winding apertures.
- Dial and Ornamentation
- The recessed gilt dial features engraved Roman numerals and trident-style hands. The clock is decorated with champlevé enamel panels. The enamel work includes black, red, blue, and white colors in patterns throughout the exterior.
- Movement and Attribution
- The clock houses an eight-day key-wind movement that strikes a bell at the hour and half-hour. These specifications are provided by the dealer. The date of circa 1885 is assigned by the source. No specific maker’s mark or foundry signature is cited.
- Architectural Case Construction
- The clock is housed in an architectural cast brass case featuring a domed top and a broken arch pediment. The design incorporates an openwork ball-and-spire finial at the apex, with additional finials situated at the corners. The case is decorated with sculpted putti figures—one positioned at the center of the arch and two others leaning against the front columns. The structure rests on a stepped plinth base supported by turned brass feet.
Identification
- Reference
- RHOL 1811
- 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 is not visible in the provided image; mechanism specifications rely on source description.
- Research required: Specific clockmaker or foundry mark is unstated.