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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Antique French Belle Époque striking brass mantel clock

Partially verified

This antique French Belle Époque striking mantel clock features an ornate cast brass case surmounted by a domed canopy with an urn finial. According to the auctioneer, it houses an A.D. Mougin movement and includes a hand-painted porcelain chapter ring with Arabic numerals surrounding a pierced relief brass centre. The case is detailed with scrolling foliate pierced galleries, side lion-mask ring handles, and a winged cherub head upon the apron, supported by scroll-and-paw feet. Measuring approximately 37 centimetres in overall height, the clock is accompanied by a key and pendulum.

Front view of the antique French brass mantel clock
Front view of the antique French brass mantel clock — Cottees Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.cottees.co.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
A.D. Mougin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
248
Source-reported date
Not established
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 Construction

The clock is housed in an ornate cast brass case featuring a domed canopy and an urn finial. An openwork scroll gallery is positioned below the upper dome.

The lower plinth includes a central winged cherub mask and is supported by paw feet. The sides of the case are accented with lion-mask handles holding rings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cast brass case surmounted by a domed top and urn finial”
  • “Openwork scroll gallery positioned below the upper dome”
  • “Lower plinth featuring a central winged cherub mask above ornate paw feet”
  • “Flanked by side-mounted lion-mask handles holding rings”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock features a circular dial with a hand-painted porcelain chapter ring and dark Arabic numerals. The dial center is finished in pierced or relief-decorated brass, with foliate spandrels.

There are two winding arbors visible on the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular dial with dark Arabic numerals on a porcelain chapter ring and two winding arbors”
  • “Pierced or relief-decorated brass dial centre and foliate spandrels”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The clock contains an A.D. Mougin movement. It is supplied with a key and pendulum.

Regarding operational status, it is noted to tick and strike when wound, though it is described by the auctioneer as likely requiring some attention.

Evidence for this section
  • “A.D Mougin movement”
  • “Ticks and strikes when wound but probably requires some TLC.”
  • “Supplied with key and pendulum”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific maker marks on the internal movement plate to verify the A.D. Mougin attribution?
  • What is the specific nature of the 'TLC' required for the mechanism as noted by the auctioneer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French Belle Époque striking brass mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerA.D Mougin“A.D Mougin movement”
Case MaterialBrass“striking brass mantel clock”
Chapter RingHand painted porcelain“hand painted porcelain chapter ring”
Overall HeightApproximately 37 cm“O/all height approx 37cms”
Included AccessoriesKey and pendulum“Supplied with key and pendulum”

Visible details

  • Cast brass case surmounted by a domed top and urn finial
  • Openwork scroll gallery positioned below the upper dome
  • Circular dial with dark Arabic numerals on a porcelain chapter ring and two winding arbors
  • Pierced or relief-decorated brass dial centre and foliate spandrels
  • Flanked by side-mounted lion-mask handles holding rings
  • Lower plinth featuring a central winged cherub mask above ornate paw feet

Research qualifications

  • Internal A.D. Mougin movement, back plate, key, and pendulum are not visible in the primary photograph
  • Operational condition is based solely on auctioneer remarks stating it ticks and strikes when wound but likely requires attention

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

Consulted source

Antique French Belle Epoch striking brass mantel clock with A.D Mougin movement and hand painted por

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 3c185017ab

Terms in this record

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

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