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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Figural mantel timepiece

A 19th Century Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Timepiece with Fusee Movement

Partially verified

This 19th-century mantel timepiece is attributed by the source to G Blackie of 392 Strand, London. The case features a patinated bronze figure representing Chronos striding forward, grasping a scythe in one hand and carrying a 12 cm circular drum clock case under the opposite arm. It is mounted upon a rectangular yellow-orange Sienna marble plinth fitted with a central allegorical relief mount and scrolled feet. The timepiece features a silvered dial showing Roman numerals and spade hands, housing a reported fusee movement with anchor escapement.

Patinated bronze figural mantel timepiece depicting Chronos on a Sienna marble base
Patinated bronze figural mantel timepiece depicting Chronos on a Sienna marble base — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Figural mantel timepiece
Maker / attribution
G Blackie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0391
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
United Kingdom

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

Sculptural Composition and Base

The timepiece is executed as a sculptural composition centering on a patinated bronze figure described by the auction source as Chronos. The figure is represented striding forth, holding a scythe in one hand and supporting a circular drum clock case under the opposite arm.

The figure is mounted on a Sienna marble base described as featuring a conforming central mount and scroll supports. In visual observation, the base is a rectangular plinth displaying a central applied relief depicting figures in a boat, raised on low scrolled metal feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “The well cast figure of Chronos striding forth, a scythe in one hand, the 12cm drum case under the other”
  • “on a Sienna marble base with conforming central mount and scroll supports”
  • “Rectangular Sienna marble plinth decorated with a central relief appliqué depicting figures in a boat, raised on low scrolled metal feet.”

Dial and Movement

The circular drum case measures 12 cm across and encloses a silvered Roman dial fitted with spade hands, described in the cataloguing as signed.

The movement is documented by the auction house as a fusee movement with an anchor escapement. Direct visual verification of the internal plates, gearing, and signature is limited by the single exterior front-facing photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “the 12cm drum case under the other”
  • “signed silvered Roman dial with spade hands”
  • “the fusee movement with anchor escapement”

Cataloguing and Dimensions

The catalog entry heads the item with 'G Blackie, 392 Strand, London' and classifies it as a 19th-century patinated bronze figural mantel timepiece.

The dimensions are recorded as 52 cm (21 cms) high. Serial numbers, detailed provenance, and independent verification of whether Blackie acted as manufacturer or retailer are not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 19th century patinated bronze figural mantel timepiece with fusee movement”
  • “G Blackie, 392 Strand, London”
  • “52cm (21cms) high.”

Open research questions

  • What exact text is inscribed on the signed silvered dial?
  • Does inspection of the internal movement confirm the fusee mechanism and anchor escapement, and are the movement plates stamped by G. Blackie or an independent maker?
  • Are there founder marks or cast stamps on the bronze figure of Chronos or beneath the Sienna marble plinth?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A 19th Century Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Timepiece with Fusee Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionG Blackie, 392 Strand, London“G Blackie, 392 Strand, London”
Figure SubjectChronos striding forth“The well cast figure of Chronos striding forth, a scythe in one hand, the 12cm drum case under the other”
Base MaterialSienna marble base with central mount“on a Sienna marble base with conforming central mount and scroll supports”
Dial and HandsSilvered Roman dial with spade hands“signed silvered Roman dial with spade hands”
MovementFusee movement with anchor escapement“the fusee movement with anchor escapement”
Dimensions52 cm high“52cm (21cms) high.”
Height52 cm (21 cms)“52cm (21cms) high.”
Drum case diameter12 cm“the 12cm drum case under the other”

Visible details

  • Patinated dark bronze winged sculpture of Chronos carrying a scythe and supporting a drum timepiece case.
  • Rectangular Sienna marble plinth decorated with a central relief appliqué depicting figures in a boat, raised on low scrolled metal feet.
  • Circular light-coloured dial with Roman numeral hour markings and dark spade hands.

Research qualifications

  • The internal fusee mechanism and anchor escapement cannot be directly verified from the front-facing photograph.
  • The maker signature on the dial is not legibly readable at the provided image resolution.

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

Consulted source

A 19th Century Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Timepiece With Fusee Movement G Blackie, 392 Stra... - Jun 22, 2026 | Bonhams In United Kingdom

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4c1e1b5d39

Terms in this record

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