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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Figural mystery clock

A 19th-Century Figural 'Mystery' Clock After Moreau

Partially verified

This 19th-century figural mystery mantel clock features an allegorical female sculpture depicting Brise D'Automne after Moreau, positioned atop a simulated marble circular base. The patinated figure holds aloft a compound mystery pendulum assembly crowned with a dark spherical ball clock. The globe dial features applied or painted gilt Roman numerals, ornate hands, and a ribbon-form surmount, with a gridiron rod dropping to a lower spherical pendulum bob. According to the auctioneer, the clock operates via an eight-day movement with serial number 9121 and measures 93 cm in overall height.

Full view of the figural mystery clock depicting Brise D'Automne holding the spherical clock and pendulum assembly
Full view of the figural mystery clock depicting Brise D'Automne holding the spherical clock and pendulum assembly — Lawrences Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Clock · Figural mystery clock
Maker / attribution
After Moreau
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1336
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
9121

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

Identity and Subject Matter

This 19th-century mantel clock centers on a patinated allegorical figure described as 'Brise D'Automne.' The sculpture stands atop a circular plinth finished in a simulated marble material.

The identification of the sculptor is attributed by the auctioneer as 'after Moreau.' No specific details regarding the artisan or foundry origin are recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “depicting Brise D'Automne after Moreau”
  • “on a simulated marble base”

Dial and Pendulum Assembly

The timepiece features a spherical globe serving as the dial, which is surmounted by a ribbon-form crest. The clock is positioned such that the figure holds the globe and pendulum assembly aloft.

The pendulum mechanism consists of a swinging ball configuration, as described in the source listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “the figure holding aloft a spherical ball clock with ribbon surmount and swinging ball pendulum”

Mechanical Status and Specifications

The internal mechanism is reported as an eight-day movement with the serial number 9121. The source notes the lack of a winding key and that functional guarantees are not provided, despite a report that it 'appears to wind and tick.'

The physical dimensions are listed at 93 cm in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “on an eight day movement with serial number 9121”
  • “Appears to wind and tick but functionality not guaranteed”
  • “lacking key”
  • “height 93cm”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 9121 correlate with specific 19th-century clockmakers or manufacturing periods?
  • Are there visible maker's marks on the bronze casting or the base not identified in the auction description?
  • What is the historical production context for mystery clocks labeled 'after Moreau'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A 19th-Century Figural 'Mystery' Clock After Moreau
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Sculptural SubjectDepicting Brise D'Automne after Moreau“depicting Brise D'Automne after Moreau”
BaseSimulated marble base“simulated marble base”
Movement DurationEight day movement“eight day movement”
Movement Serial Number9121“serial number 9121”
Height93 cm“height 93cm”
Serial Number9121“serial number 9121”

Visible details

  • Patinated female allegorical figure holding an upright mystery pendulum assembly aloft in her raised left hand
  • Dark spherical globe dial adorned with gilt Roman numerals and ornamental hands
  • Ribbon-bow cresting surmounting the upper globe
  • Gridiron suspension rod assembly terminating in a lower spherical bob
  • Moulded circular simulated marble plinth base

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Moreau is source-reported ('after Moreau')
  • Auctioneer notes keys are missing and functionality is not guaranteed
  • Internal eight-day movement is not visible in the photograph

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

Consulted source

A 19TH CENTURY FIGURAL 'MYSTERY' CLOCK. Clocks & Watches - Mantel clocks - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 6f5c5d537b

Terms in this record

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