French Medieval Castle Garniture Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This nineteenth-century French clock garniture consists of a central clock and a pair of flanking towers. The central piece is designed in the shape of a medieval castle, featuring sculpted masonry and architectural detailing.
A circular clock dial is set into the structure, inscribed with the signature "Levassor / Paris." The side towers, which differ in dimensions from the clock, each incorporate a central electric light and candlestick arms. The ensemble is designed for display on a mantelpiece. The electric components within the side towers are secondary additions, and their wiring safety remains unverified by the provided source information.
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
- 19th century
- Type
- Garniture clock
- Maker
- Levassor
- Country
- France
- Condition
- Favorable
- Signature
- Levassor / Paris
- Place recorded
- France
- Clock dimensions
- 14 3/4 x 14 3/4 x 26 inches
- Tower dimensions
- 7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 26 1/2 inches
- Maker / attribution
- Levassor
Design
- Clock and Design
- The set is comprised of a primary clock unit and two matching side towers, created to function as a mantel garniture. The clock's main body mimics the architecture of a fortified medieval castle, finished with carvings intended to resemble stone masonry. The dial is integrated into the front facade of the castle, which also includes a simulated drawbridge. The side towers follow the same thematic design, featuring smaller masonry-style bases. Each tower is equipped with an integrated electric light and branched candlestick holders, extending from the tower walls. These elements are distinct from the clock's timekeeping mechanism.
- Visible features
- • Central clock features a hinged drawbridge element • Side towers include integrated candlestick arms • Masonry-style carving throughout the exterior of all three pieces • Circular dial with Arabic numerals and signature
- Reported Condition
- The auction-provided source characterizes the overall state of the garniture as favorable, indicating that both the build quality and the maintenance status are considered satisfactory for collectors. No technical service records are provided, and the internal movement details or original bell types are not listed. The safety of the electrical wiring added to the towers is explicitly not verified by the source.
- Signature and Chronology
- The clock is identified by a signature on its dial, which identifies the maker as Levassor, based in Paris. The source attributes the set to the nineteenth century, noting that the 'medieval' designation refers to the visual design rather than the actual period of manufacture. The source notes that the signature on the dial cannot be assumed to prove that the maker produced every component of the garniture set. The electric lighting is explicitly identified as an addition that does not provide information about the history of the clock's internal movement.
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: Originality of electric lighting components remains unverified
- Research required: Maker identification on dial does not confirm production of all garniture components
- Research required: Specific material composition of the housing is not identified