Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
20th century
This French gilt bronze mantel clock attributed to Japy Frères and retailed by Tiffany & Co. is dated by the auction house to the 20th century. Constructed with glazed side panels within a rectangular gilt bronze frame, the case is embellished with rhinestone borders along its upper and lower moldings, corner stiles, and bezel.
The circular bronze face features black painted Arabic numerals and twin winding squares. Suspended beneath is a pendulum incorporating a circular miniature portrait of a maiden, reported as signed Nelly, framed by an additional rhinestone bezel.
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
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Japy Frères
- Retailer
- Tiffany & Co.
- Dimensions
- 12 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.
- Place recorded
- France
- Country and date
- France, 20th century
- Maker / attribution
- Japy Frères
- Pendulum description
- Portrait medallion signed Nelly
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular glazed case with gilt bronze upper and lower stepped plinths. • Multiple bands of faceted clear rhinestones trim the case moldings, stiles, dial bezel, and pendulum rim. • Bronze dial ring with painted Arabic numerals and pierced center decoration, flanked by two winding arbors. • Circular pendulum bob featuring a portrait medallion of a maiden.
- Dial and Pendulum Assembly
- The clock features a bronze dial face marked with black painted Arabic numerals and an open, pierced central decoration. Two winding arbors flank the center for key winding. Suspended inside the glazed compartment is a circular pendulum bob. According to the auction listing, this bob displays a circular miniature portrait medallion of a maiden reported as signed 'Nelly'.
- Attribution and Source Evidence
- The auction entry dates the mantel clock to the 20th century in France, attributes the maker as Japy Frères, and states that it was retailed by Tiffany & Co. However, physical maker stamps, serial numbers, and retailer engravings are not legible in the provided photograph and rely entirely on the auction house description. Movement specifications—including power reserve duration, escapement type, and striking configuration—are not recorded in the published source.
- Case Structure and Decorative Mounts
- The mantel clock is constructed with a rectangular glazed case featuring gilt bronze upper and lower stepped plinths. The auction catalogue records overall dimensions of 12 1/4 inches high, 6 1/2 inches wide, and 5 1/2 inches deep. The decorative treatment incorporates multiple bands of clear rhinestones. In addition to the catalogue's note that the case is trimmed in rhinestones, direct visual inspection shows faceted clear rhinestones edging the case moldings, vertical corner stiles, circular dial bezel, and pendulum rim.
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: Internal movement signature and Tiffany & Co. retailer markings are not directly legible in the photograph and rely on auction catalog description.
- Research required: Proposed caution claimed 'Photo 1 shows the clock without the pendulum attached', which is incorrect as the pendulum is visibly mounted.