Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This mantel clock features a porcelain case attributed to Meissen, dating to approximately 1850. The ornamental porcelain body is decorated with hand-painted floral motifs and includes two figural sculptures depicting lovers, positioned on the sides of the central clock face, with a floral vase finial at the top.
The case rests on sculpted feet and is finished with applied, hand-painted porcelain flowers and leaves. The circular dial is white enamel, featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minute indicators at the outer edge. Housed within the porcelain body is a French mechanical movement, described as an eight-day mechanism equipped with a bell-striking system. Access to the movement is provided through a hinged metal cover located on the rear of the clock case.
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 1850
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Decor
- Hand-painted floral and figural
- Maker
- Meissen
- Damage
- Hairline crack
- Movement
- French 8-day mechanical
- Striking
- Bell strike
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Meissen
Design
- Movement
- The internal mechanism is a French mechanical movement designed for an eight-day running duration between windings. The movement is equipped with a bell-striking system to announce the time. A hinged metal cover is positioned on the rear of the porcelain case to allow access to the clockwork. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a recent service and operates in a regular manner.
- Condition
- The object is reported to be in good condition relative to its age, though minor wear is noted. A specific flaw identified is a hairline crack present on the hand of the female figure. Potential collectors are encouraged to verify the authenticity of porcelain marks, the integration of the French movement within the porcelain housing, and the current integrity of the fragile floral decorations.
- Case and Dial
- The clock case is constructed from porcelain, heavily adorned with sculptural elements including a pair of figures and a central vase finial. The design incorporates applied, hand-painted floral and foliage decorations across the base and main body structure. The time is displayed on a circular white enamel dial framed by a brass bezel. The dial features black Roman numerals for the hour divisions, while the outer perimeter contains Arabic numerals indicating the minutes. The design includes two winding holes, indicating a time and strike configuration.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with dual winding holes. • Hand-painted floral patterns on the porcelain surface. • Figural sculptures of a male figure with a lyre and a female figure. • Hinged metal circular access port on the rear of the clock.
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: Authenticity of the porcelain manufacturer marks is unverified.
- Research required: Compatibility between the French movement and the porcelain case requires further verification.
- Research required: Status of fragile applied floral elements should be verified.