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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Achille Brocot Neoclassical La Liseuse Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This 19th-century French mantel clock features a patinated bronze allegorical figure titled La Liseuse, or The Reader, depicting a classically draped woman seated while holding an open book. The composition is mounted upon a tiered light-cream marble base, which is adorned with beaded metal trim and supported by bun feet. The timekeeping mechanism is an 8-day mechanical movement designed with a Brocot fine-regulation system. The movement provides an hour and half-hour strike, with pendulum length markings indicated on the backplate. The maker, Achille Brocot, is recorded as the movement manufacturer, while the dial bears the inscription of the retailer Gautier, based at Rue des Fossés Montmartre in Paris. The overall dimensions of the object are reported as 17 inches in height, 22 inches in width, and 7 inches in depth. Materials used in the construction include patinated bronze, marble, metal, and enamel.

Front view of the Achille Brocot La Liseuse bronze and marble mantel clock, showing the seated figure, dial, and marble base.
Front view of the Achille Brocot La Liseuse bronze and marble mantel clock, showing the seated figure, dial, and marble base. — Akiba Galleries / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Achille Brocot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206798681
Source-reported date
19th-century
Source-reported place
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 and Aesthetic Design

The clock is composed of a patinated bronze figure group resting on a tiered marble plinth. The primary decorative element is an allegorical depiction of a woman titled La Liseuse, who is shown seated with an open book. This bronze assembly is placed adjacent to the circular clock housing, which shares the marble platform.

The base is constructed from light-cream marble, featuring architectural detailing such as beaded metal trim along its tiers. The structure is elevated on bun feet, which provide a foundation for the weighted marble and bronze components.

Evidence for this section
  • “patinated bronze allegorical figure titled La Liseuse (The Reader), depicting a classically draped woman seated with an open book”
  • “tiered light-cream marble base with beaded metal trim and bun feet”

Movement and Technical Features

The timepiece functions via an 8-day mechanical movement. This movement is equipped with the Brocot fine-regulation system, a characteristic mechanism associated with the maker. The clock includes a striking train configured to sound on the hour and half-hour.

The backplate of the movement contains technical indicators for the pendulum length, which assists in regulation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fitted with an 8-day mechanical movement with hour and half-hour strike”
  • “Brocot fine-regulation system, and pendulum length markings to the backplate”

Signatures and Provenance

Identifiable marks verify the production and retail of the clock. The movement carries the stamp of Achille Brocot, indicating his role in the manufacture of the internal components. This signature identifies the clock's maker within the 19th-century French horological context.

The dial features the inscription for Gautier, located at Rue des Fossés Montmartre 5, Paris.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement stamped "A. Brocot à Paris”
  • “dial inscribed "Gautier, R. d. Fosses M_martre 5, Paris”

Open research questions

  • Are there archival records linking the 'Gautier' retailer mark to specific production dates for this model?
  • Does the physical specimen retain the original pendulum corresponding to the backplate markings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Achille Brocot Neoclassical La Liseuse Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAchille Brocot“Achille Brocot (French, 1817–1874)”
Movement makerAchille Brocot“Movement stamped "A. Brocot à Paris”
RetailerGautier“dial inscribed "Gautier, R. d. Fosses M_martre 5, Paris”
Materialspatinated bronze, marble, metal, enamel“patinated bronze, marble, metal, enamel”
Movement type8-day mechanical“Fitted with an 8-day mechanical movement with hour and half-hour strike”
Dimensions17" H x 22" W x 7" D“H. 17" x W. 22" x 7" deep”

Visible details

  • Patinated bronze female figure seated with an open book
  • Tiered white marble base with beaded metal decorative trim
  • Dial inscribed with retailer name and Paris address
  • Supported by four small metal bun feet

Research qualifications

  • Independent confirmation of type attribution remains required
  • Verification of the internal mechanical assembly is necessary

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

Consulted source

Achille Brocot Neoclassical "La Liseuse" Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 086bf74c67

Terms in this record

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

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