Paul Frey Miniature Gold and Jade Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th to Early 20th Century
This miniature clock is a French objet d'art composed of solid 18K gold and jade. Attributed to the Parisian jeweler Paul Frey, the timepiece was retailed by Gompers.
The construction features a clock housing mounted atop a spirally fluted jade column base, which rests on a dark green base. The gold elements are cast with decorative motifs, including gargoyles, grotesque figures, and foliate designs. The clock dial includes Arabic numerals and is positioned within a gold frame. The object is accompanied by an original protective case containing a winding key and bearing gold labeling for Gompers with shop locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, Aix-les-Bains, and Deauville.
The piece includes hallmarks for 18K gold, specifically the assay mark of the Greek physician's head in a hexagon, which indicates production in Paris between 1838 and 1919.
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
- Miniature desk clock
- Maker
- Paul Frey
- Marks
- PF maker's mark; GOMPERS PARIS signature
- Dating
- Late 19th to Early 20th Century
- Retailer
- Gompers
- Materials
- 18K Gold and jade
- Assay Mark
- Greek physician's head in a hexagon
- Place recorded
- France
- Clock dimensions
- 2" x 2" x 5 3/8"
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Frey
Design
- Visible features
- • Clock housing features small cast figures, including gargoyles. • The central column is made of twisted dark green jade with gold-toned oak leaf appliqués. • The clock face has Arabic numerals and a pale surface finish. • A rear door opens to reveal two arbors for the movement.
- Case and Provenance
- The clock is accompanied by its original protective case. The interior of the case includes a designated compartment for the winding key. The case features gold-stamped labeling identifying the retailer, Gompers, and listing several locations of operation, including Paris, Monte Carlo, Aix-les-Bains, and Deauville.
- Signatures and Marks
- The timepiece contains identifying marks confirming its origin and material composition. It is signed on the reverse with 'GOMPERS PARIS' and bears the maker's mark 'PF' associated with Paul Frey. The gold mounts are marked with an assay stamp featuring a Greek physician's head in a hexagon. This mark indicates that the components were assayed in Paris during the period of 1838 to 1919.
- Construction and Design
- The object is designed as a miniature clock supported by a jade column. The primary body of the clock is crafted from 18K gold, incorporating cast elements such as gargoyles and grotesque figures. Folitate motifs adorn the gold mounts, providing an ornamental aesthetic. A spirally fluted column of green jade serves as the central support for the clock housing. This section features gold-cast oak leaf decorations attached to the surface of the stone. The clock is completed by a stepped base, visually grounding the structure.
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: Specific mechanical details of the movement are not provided.
- Research required: The exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond the 1838-1919 date range indicated by the assay marks.