French Vernis Martin Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This French mantel clock, attributed to Vernis Martin, dates to approximately 1860. The clock features a case with a painted finish, decorated with a "loving couple" motif on the front and further floral detailing.
The exterior is framed by classical scrolling ormolu mounts and supported by ormolu feet. The timepiece displays a convex enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and Roman numerals, operated by original finely cut French steel hands. Internally, the clock is powered by an 8-day gong-striking movement with a platform escapement. Measuring 38 cm in height, 19 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth, the clock is presented in working order following a service by the retailer.
It is accompanied by a winding key.
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
- Dial
- Convex enamel
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Vernis Martin
- Movement
- French 8-day gong striking movement
- Dimensions
- 38cm high by 19cm wide and 12cm depth
- Escapement
- Platform escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Unknown (Attributed to Vernis Martin style)
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in a case decorated with a painted finish, featuring a scene depicting a 'loving couple' on the lower front section, complemented by surrounding floral painted elements. The overall form is accented with classical scrolling bronze ormolu mounts and supported by four distinct ormolu feet at the base. The time is indicated on a convex enamel dial which displays both Arabic numerals and Roman numerals. The display is completed by a set of original, finely cut French steel hands, which sit over the dial surface. The aesthetic of the case and dial is reported to retain its original finish.
- Visible features
- • Convex enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals • Case features painted 'loving couple' scene • Gong-striking mechanism with platform escapement • Gilded bronze ormolu scrolling mounts
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is driven by a French 8-day movement designed for gong striking. The mechanism incorporates a platform escapement to regulate the timekeeping function. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced by the retailer and is currently in working order. The movement is accessed from the rear of the clock case, where the gong assembly is also situated.
- Attribution and Maintenance
- and is assigned the SKU JN21 for reference. The production date is estimated by the seller to be around 1860. The clock is sold as a fully serviced item, including a winding key for operation. The provided information notes the availability of a video recording showing the clock in operation on the seller's YouTube channel.
Identification
- SKU
- JN21
- Reference
- JN21
- 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: Attribution to maker 'Vernis Martin' is provided by the seller
- Research required: Date of circa 1860 is an approximation