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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendulum mantel clock

A Parisian ormolu pendulum clock

Partially verified

This fire-gilt bronze pendulum clock depicts the figure of Harlequin supporting a square clock case while gesturing toward a small bird emerging from an arched opening above. Dated by the auction house to circa 1820–1830, the timepiece features an enamel dial with blackened iron hands and an inscription reading 'à Paria'. The movement is described as possessing a 14-day duration, thread suspension, and half-hourly strike on a gong. The arched opening features a door engraved 'L´artiste du jour', and the assembly is mounted on a rectangular relief-decorated base with turned feet.

Front view of the Parisian ormolu pendulum clock depicting Harlequin
Front view of the Parisian ormolu pendulum clock depicting Harlequin — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Clock · Pendulum mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1161
Source-reported date
Circa 1820 - 30
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

Visual Construction and Iconography

The timepiece features a figure of Harlequin, depicted leaning to support a central square clock case. Above the case, an arched superstructure contains a small bird figure, which is visible through a hinged door engraved with the phrase 'L´artiste du jour'.

The assembly rests on a rectangular plinth decorated with chased foliate scrollwork, supported by four turned feet. A pendulum rod and circular bob are suspended beneath the case, and cord-suspended cylindrical weights are associated with the upper mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “A rare clock with a figure of Harlequin holding a clock and gesturing towards the little bird that peeps out of it.”
  • “The door engraved "L´artiste du jour".”
  • “The rectangular plinth features chased foliate scroll ornament and rests on four turned, rounded feet.”

Mechanism and Dial Observations

The clock uses an enamel dial featuring blackened iron hands. The movement is reported to have a 14-day duration and utilizes a thread suspension system, with a half-hourly strike on a gong.

The dial contains an inscription reading 'à Paria'. Internal components are not shown in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fire-gilt bronze with enamel dial and blackened iron hands.”
  • “14-day running with thread suspension and half-hourly strike to a gong.”
  • “The dial inscribed "à Paria".”

Condition and Attribution

The auction house dates this piece to circa 1820–1830. Documented condition includes slight wear to the gilding on the base, a cracked dial, and restored chips around the winding holes.

The piece is documented in the literature: Negretti/de Vecchi, 'Faszination Uhr', Munich 1996.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circa 1820 - 30.”
  • “Gilding of the base slightly worn, the dial cracked, older restored chips around the winding holes.”
  • “This model on the cover of: Negretti/de Vecchi, Faszination Uhr, Munich 1996.”

Open research questions

  • What is the intended meaning or potential error regarding the 'à Paria' inscription on the dial?
  • What is the technical relationship between the bird mechanism and the clock movement?
  • What information is provided about this specific model in the cited literature (Negretti/de Vecchi, 1996)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Parisian ormolu pendulum clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MediumFire-gilt bronze with enamel dial and blackened iron hands“Fire-gilt bronze with enamel dial and blackened iron hands.”
Movement duration and striking14-day running with thread suspension and half-hourly strike to a gong“14-day running with thread suspension and half-hourly strike to a gong.”
SubjectHarlequin holding a clock gesturing towards the little bird“A rare clock with a figure of Harlequin holding a clock and gesturing towards the little bird that peeps out of it.”
EngravingL´artiste du jour“The door engraved "L´artiste du jour".”
Dial inscriptionà Paria“The dial inscribed "à Paria".”
DimensionsH 36, W 24.5 cm“H 36, W 24.5 cm.”
MaterialsFire-gilt bronze, enamel“Fire-gilt bronze with enamel dial and blackened iron hands.”

Visible details

  • Harlequin is shown wearing a black mask with a gilt costume, leaning while supporting the clock case.
  • A small bird figure is positioned inside an arched superstructure atop the square clock body with an open engraved hinged door.
  • A pendulum rod and circular bob hang beneath the elevated clock case.
  • Suspended cords with small cylindrical weights hang from the upper door mechanism on the right.
  • The rectangular plinth features chased foliate scroll ornament and rests on four turned, rounded feet.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and interior workings are not shown in the image.
  • The dial inscription reads 'à Paria' rather than a standard maker name.
  • Source notes slight wear to the base gilding, a cracked dial, and restored chips around winding holes.

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

Consulted source

A Parisian ormolu pendulum clock - Lot 1161

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e63386a3c4

Terms in this record

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