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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

19th Century French Gilded Clock with Porcelain Plaques

Partially verified

This antique French mantel clock from the 19th century features a gilded metal case inset with painted sky-blue porcelain plaques. The composition is surmounted by a porcelain urn finial flanked by scrolling bronze elements. Its circular dial presents Roman numerals encircled by painted floral garlands, positioned above two winding arbors. Additional porcelain panels depicting floral sprays flank the center, while a lower plaque displays a female portrait medallion. According to the auction listing, the clock is set upon a black base.

Front view of the gilded French mantel clock with painted blue porcelain plaques on an oval black base
Front view of the gilded French mantel clock with painted blue porcelain plaques on an oval black base — Ald Fryslan. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
86
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Composition and Aesthetic Design

The timepiece features a gilded metal case adorned with hand-painted porcelain plaques. The composition includes a porcelain urn finial atop an architectural gilded crest, complemented by scrolling elements and floral-decorated panels.

The clock is presented on a black base. A female portrait medallion is centered on the lower plaque, set against a blue ground.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilded, with hand-painted porcelain plaques, including a decoration of flowers and a portrait medallion at the center”
  • “On a black base.”
  • “Light-blue porcelain urn finial surmounting an architectural gilded crest”

Dial and Aperture Configuration

The circular dial incorporates Roman numerals framed by painted floral wreaths. The clock face includes two winding apertures positioned at approximately the 4 and 8 o'clock markers.

The specific mechanical movement type is not documented in the provided source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial features Roman numerals framed by painted floral wreaths, with winding apertures at roughly 4 and 8 o'clock”

Condition and Attribution

The auction source reports damage to the clock, specifically noting that the back section of the top blue porcelain finial is missing and a crack is present in the bronze at the upper right. The operational status of the clock is recorded as unknown.

The item is identified as a 19th-century French clock. No maker or specific reference details are provided in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “achterzijde blauwe porseleinen knop bovenzijde ontbreekt, scheurtje in brons rechtsboven”
  • “Werking onbekend”
  • “An antique 19th century French clock”

Open research questions

  • Are there hidden movement markings or internal serial numbers that could identify the maker?
  • Is the composition of the base material documented beyond the description of 'black base'?
  • What is the specific nature of the 'etc.' mentioned in the condition report regarding damages?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 19th Century French Gilded Clock with Porcelain Plaques
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Origin and Period19th century French“An antique 19th century French clock”
Case FinishGilded“gilded, with hand-painted porcelain plaques”
DecorationFlowers and portrait medallion“including a decoration of flowers and a portrait medallion at the center”
BaseBlack base“On a black base.”
Auction Lot86“Lot 86”

Visible details

  • Light-blue porcelain urn finial surmounting an architectural gilded crest
  • Dial features Roman numerals framed by painted floral wreaths, with winding apertures at roughly 4 and 8 o'clock
  • Gilded metal case with scrollwork flanks inset with sky-blue porcelain panels decorated with flowers
  • Lower plaque features a female portrait medallion set against a blue ground with gilt borders
  • Clock rests on a raised oval ebonized base with feet

Research qualifications

  • Source condition report notes damage including the missing back section of the top blue porcelain finial and a small crack in the bronze at the upper right ('scheurtje in brons rechtsboven')
  • Operational condition is unknown ('Werking onbekend')
  • Maker and specific movement specifications are not documented

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: 19th Century French Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 20e5b13320

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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