French Second Empire Elephant Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This French mantel clock dates to the Second Empire period, approximately 1860. The design, known as a 'Pendule à l'éléphant', consists of a patinated bronze elephant sculpture supporting a cylindrical gilt-bronze clock housing.
The housing is secured to the elephant's back with a gilt strap. The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals with five-minute markers and gilt filigree hands. The movement is an eight-day, bell-striking mechanism with a Brocot adjustment system, featuring the 'VINCENTI & Cie' mark and the text 'MEDAILLE D’ARGENT 1855' on the back plate. The clock includes a glass front door with a beaded bezel. The piece measures 24 cm in height, 22 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth.
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 1860
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- VINCENTI & Cie
- Condition
- Restored enamel dial and replaced felt lining
- Mechanism
- 8-day bell striking
- Dimensions
- 24 x 22 x 12 cm
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Markings
- VINCENTI & Cie MEDAILLE D’ARGENT 1855
- Maker / attribution
- VINCENTI & Cie
Design
- Visible features
- • Patinated bronze elephant sculpture • Gilt-bronze drum-shaped housing • Arabic numerals on white enamel dial • Brocot adjustment aperture above the numeral 12
- Reported Condition
- The external appearance of the clock is reported to be in good condition, with the gilt finish maintaining its luster despite minimal polishing wear. The enamel dial contains an old repair located near the 2 o'clock position, along with minor glaze loss around the Brocot adjustment arbor. The internal red felt lining situated behind the back door has been replaced.
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock is designed as a 'Pendule à l'éléphant' with a patinated bronze elephant sculpture as its base. The elephant is depicted in profile with its trunk raised. Resting on the elephant's back is a cylindrical drum housing made of gilt bronze, which is held in place by a gilt strap. The dial is constructed from white enamel and features Arabic numerals. It includes a peripheral minute track with five-minute increments. The time is indicated by gilt filigree hands, and a Brocot adjustment port is situated at the top, directly above the numeral 12. The front of the housing is protected by a glass door, which is framed by a beaded bezel.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is an eight-day mechanism capable of bell striking. It includes a pendulum and is adjusted via a Brocot system, which allows for fine-tuning of the rate. According to the reported information, the movement has been serviced. Engraved on the back of the movement plate is the official stamp of the workshop, VINCENTI & Cie, along with the inscription 'MEDAILLE D’ARGENT 1855', indicating an award received in 1855. The reported sound of the bell is described as soft.
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: Verification of internal component authenticity recommended
- Research required: Confirmation of pendulum and bell integrity requested