Mantel clock, Paris, 1796

Mantel clock in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number 373-1901), made in Paris, dated 1796, attributed to Coteau, Bourdier, Coteau, Joseph, Bourdier.

The museum's brief description reads: A marble and ormolu mantel clock surmounted by an eagle grasping a thunderbolt perched on a crescent moon supported by the central enamelled dial which is framed and supported by ormolu winged supports, garlanded with flowers, on a marble pedestal decorated with applied enamelled plaques, four…. Museum description: Case: an elaborate construction of ormolu and enamel work with marble pedestal and base at the top with an eagle grasping a thunderbolt and a crescent moon; below an enamel plaque with a pair of lovers embracing and writing 'serment d’aimer' (pledge of love) on a sheet of paper upheld by cupids, is a ribbon inscribed “Le Temps fait passer l’amour et l’amour fait passer le Temps”.

Below another oval plaque shows cupid with his bow; this is just above a further plaque with a bow-shaped upper border showing Apollo in his chariot; both ar set in a frame of enamelled straps complete with lambrequin and tassels. These are flanked by twin winged ormolu griffins on granite bases, with above twin ormolu putti blowing horns seated on the enamelled strapwork. On the pedestal the central enamel plaque is inscribed “Horas non Numero nisi Seranas”; it is flanked by four circular enamel plaques illustrating vases of flowers original intended as watch cases with a further twelve small enamel plaques.… The museum records it as Marble, gilt bronze, enamel, measuring Height 52 cm; Width 41.9 cm; Depth 14 cm; Diameter 11.8 cm.

These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.