Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendulum vase clock

A Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock

Partially verified

This lot features a 19th-century Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock measuring 57 cm in height. The gilt bronze case is fashioned as an urn entwined by two snakes and mounted on a draped, fluted column base resting on a square plinth. Rotating annular dials feature enamel cartouches displaying blue Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals. Engraved to the front of the vase body is 'Furet h.er du Roy AParis'. The source records a 14-day movement with two winding mechanisms positioned at the top for the clockwork and striking trains, and notes the clock is in need of repair.

Front view of the Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock with coiled snake time indicator
Front view of the Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock with coiled snake time indicator — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Clock · Pendulum vase clock
Maker / attribution
Furet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1203
Source-reported date
19th C.
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 Composition and Form

The object is a pendulum vase clock measuring 57 cm in height. The case is formed as an urn entwined by two snakes.

The surface is finished in ormolu, with the primary structure described as an urn mounted on a base.

Evidence for this section
  • “H 57 cm.”
  • “Formed as an urn entwined by two snakes.”

Dial and Mechanics

The clock contains a 14-day movement.

It features two winding mechanisms located at the top of the clock intended for the clockwork and striking trains.

Evidence for this section
  • “14-day movement with two winding mechanisms to the top for the clockwork and striking.”

Inscriptions and Status

The front of the vase body is engraved with the text: 'Furet h.er du Roy AParis'.

The source notes that the item is currently in need of repair.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved to the front "Furet h.er du Roy AParis".”
  • “In need of repair.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the repair required?
  • Does the engraving 'Furet h.er du Roy AParis' definitively identify the specific maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
FormUrn entwined by two snakes“Formed as an urn entwined by two snakes.”
Front engravingFuret h.er du Roy AParis“Engraved to the front "Furet h.er du Roy AParis".”
Movement duration14-day movement“14-day movement with two winding mechanisms to the top for the clockwork and striking.”
Height57 cm“H 57 cm.”
Period19th Century“19th C.”
Period19th C.“19th C.”

Visible details

  • Classical urn-shaped ormolu case mounted on a fluted cylindrical column and square plinth base.
  • Horizontal annular dials with enamel cartouches showing Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes.
  • A sculpted snake coils upward around the urn, its head pointing to the dial ring to indicate the time.
  • A second snake coils around the lid finial at the top of the urn.
  • Engraving on the front of the urn reads 'Furet h.er du Roy AParis'.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the clock is 'In need of repair'.
  • Internal movement and top winding mechanisms are not visible in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

A Parisian ormolu pendulum vase clock. - Lot 1203

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record f9b9f7da3c

Terms in this record

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