Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

A Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock, by Robert Robin

Partially verified

According to Christie's, this Louis XVI ormolu mantel clock dates to circa 1780 and is signed by Parisian maker Robert Robin. The case is described as canted rectangular with glass sides, an ovolu and beaded cornice, acanthus spandrels, and bun feet. Its white enameled dial displays Roman hour numerals, outer Arabic five-minute indicators, pierced decorative hands, a blued pointer, and a center seconds hand with a sunburst motif. The catalog reports that both the dial and movement are signed 'Robin / A Paris', and notes that the drapery swag descending across the front is probably a later replacement.

Dial detail of the Louis XVI mantel clock showing the enamel chapter ring, decorative hands, and signature 'Robin A Paris'
Dial detail of the Louis XVI mantel clock showing the enamel chapter ring, decorative hands, and signature 'Robin A Paris' — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Robert Robin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
143
Source-reported date
circa 1780
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

Case Architecture and Decorative Program

According to the Christie's catalog description, the clock case is of canted rectangular form with glass sides, supported on bun feet. The cornice is detailed with ovolu and beaded moldings, while the chamfered corners feature stop-fluting. The overall recorded dimensions are 15 inches (38.5 cm) high, 8 1/2 inches (22 cm) wide, and 6 1/2 inches (17 cm) deep.

The dial is flanked at the upper corners by acanthus spandrels and sits above an ormolu drapery swag arranged to reveal the winding holes. The auction catalog notes that this drapery swag is probably a replacement; the accompanying photograph is restricted to a close dial detail and does not show the full case, cornice, or feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Canted rectangular with glass sides, the cornice with ovolu and beaded moldings”
  • “flanked by acanthus spandrels at the upper corners and above a drapery swag which descends to reveal the winding-holes, the chamfered corners with stop-fluting, on bun feet”
  • “15 in. (38.5 cm.) high, 8 1 ⁄ 2 in. (22 cm.) wide, 6 1 ⁄ 2 in. (17 cm.) deep”
  • “the drapery swag probably replaced”

Dial Configuration and Indication

The white enameled dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and an outer chapter ring marked with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial signature reads 'Robin' situated above the central arbor and 'A Paris' positioned below.

Visual observation of the dial shows pierced gilt hands, a blued pointer, and a central seconds hand terminated with a sunburst motif, while the catalog text specifically describes 'a center seconds hand and a sunburst at the minute hand'. Two winding apertures are set into the lower portion of the enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “the white enameled dial with Arabic and Roman numerals, a center seconds hand and a sunburst at the minute hand”
  • “the dial and movement each signed Robin / A Paris”
  • “White enameled dial featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.”
  • “Pierced gilt hands accompanied by a blued pointer and a central seconds hand terminated with a sunburst motif.”

Reported Movement and Maker Inscription

The auction catalog reports that the movement is signed 'Robin / A Paris', matching the dial signature, and attributes the piece to Robert Robin with a stated date of circa 1780. Robin's biographical notes in the catalog essay state he became a maître clockmaker in 1767 and was appointed Horloger du Duc de Chartres in 1778.

No internal movement plates, escapement specifications, or striking trains are described in the catalog text or illustrated in the single provided photograph, leaving detailed technical mechanisms unrecorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “BY ROBERT ROBIN, CIRCA 1780”
  • “the dial and movement each signed Robin / A Paris”
  • “Robert Robin, maître in 1767 and appointed horloger du Roi in 1785.”
  • “In 1778 he was appointed Horloger du Duc de Chartres”

Open research questions

  • What escapement, striking mechanism, and train layout are present in the Robin movement, and are internal serial numbers or production dates stamped on the plates?
  • What specific physical evidence indicates that the drapery swag beneath the dial is a later replacement rather than original?
  • What function is served by the blued steel pointer mounted on the central arbor alongside the pierced gilt hands and center seconds hand?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock, by Robert Robin
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRobert Robin“BY ROBERT ROBIN, CIRCA 1780”
SignaturesRobin / A Paris“the dial and movement each signed Robin / A Paris”
Dimensions15 in. (38.5 cm.) high, 8 1/2 in. (22 cm.) wide, 6 1/2 in. (17 cm.) deep“15 in. (38.5 cm.) high, 8 1 ⁄ 2 in. (22 cm.) wide, 6 1 ⁄ 2 in. (17 cm.) deep”
Case designCanted rectangular with glass sides, ovolu and beaded moldings, bun feet“Canted rectangular with glass sides, the cornice with ovolu and beaded moldings”
Condition noteDrapery swag probably replaced“the drapery swag probably replaced”
Case moldings and cornersOvolu and beaded moldings on cornice; stop-fluted chamfered corners“the cornice with ovolu and beaded moldings”
Condition assessmentDrapery swag probably replaced“the drapery swag probably replaced”

Visible details

  • White enameled dial featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.
  • Signed 'Robin' above the arbor and 'A Paris' below.
  • Pierced gilt hands accompanied by a blued pointer and a central seconds hand terminated with a sunburst motif.
  • Gilt-bronze bezel framed by acanthus foliage spandrels at the top corners and drapery-style ornamentation below.

Research qualifications

  • The source reports the drapery swag is probably replaced.
  • The provided photograph is a detail of the dial and does not show the full case, bun feet, or movement.

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

Consulted source

A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK, BY ROBERT ROBIN, CIRCA 1780 | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record cf9950cbeb

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records