French shell mantel clock with ormolu mounts
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This French mantle clock features a shell case decorated with ormolu mounts and is topped by a fruit basket finial. The clock dates to approximately 1860 and measures 33cm in height, 17cm in width, and 10cm in depth.
It is equipped with an enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals and features finely cut steel spade hands. The movement is an 8-day French mechanism designed to strike on a coiled gong. The piece stands on decorative ormolu feet and includes a winding key. The auction description reports that the clock has been recently serviced, is in excellent condition, and is fully functional. The visual presentation of the case includes an ormolu mask ornament above the dial and rope-twist molding surrounding the lower panel.
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
- Mantle clock
- Movement
- 8-day striking on a coiled gong
- Condition
- Recently serviced
- Dimensions
- 33 x 17 x 10 cm
- Maker/Origin
- French
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The clock features an enamel dial composed of cartouche segments, which provides a traditional appearance. The time is indicated by black Roman numerals arranged around the perimeter of the dial. The timekeeping is read using a pair of original, finely cut steel hands. These hands are designed in a spade pattern, consistent with the aesthetic of the 1860 date attributed to the clock.
- Visible features
- • Ormolu mask ornament positioned above the dial • Enamel dial with cartouche segments • Rope-twist decorative frame on the lower case panel • Pierced steel spade hands
- Movement and Functionality
- Internally, the clock is powered by an 8-day French movement. This mechanism is designed to strike on a coiled gong, producing an audible signal for the time. According to the documentation provided, the clock has been fully serviced at Vintage Clocks and is in working order. The clock is accompanied by its winding key for operation.
- Case and Aesthetic Features
- The clock is housed in a shell case characterized by an arched silhouette. It is decorated with various ormolu mounts, including a mask ornament situated above the dial and a fruit basket finial at the summit. The lower section of the case features a rectangular panel framed by rope-twist molding, and the entire structure is supported by four scrolling ormolu feet. The dimensions of the piece allow for placement on a mantel, measuring 33cm in height by 17cm in width and 10cm in depth.
Identification
- SKU
- JN26
- Reference
- JN26
- 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 exact composition of the shell case material is not further defined beyond being described as 'shell'.
- Research required: The specific manufacturer of the movement is not provided in the source text.