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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock with Dolphins by Achille Brocot

Partially verified

This French gilt bronze mantel clock, dated by the dealer to circa 1880, is attributed to maker Achille Brocot, whose mark is reported on the movement backplate. Crafted in a Baroque style, the cast case features trailing foliage, paw feet, an urn finial, and flanking dolphin figures. The circular white dial features Roman numerals, outer minute markings, and pierced hands behind convex glass. The source reports an eight-day striking movement operating on a bell with an original pendulum.

Front three-quarter view of the French gilt bronze mantel clock with dolphin side mounts
Front three-quarter view of the French gilt bronze mantel clock with dolphin side mounts — Dragon-Antiques.com / Sellingantiques.co.uk. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Achille Brocot
Reference
SA1008300
Catalogue / lot identifier
RSC3514
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
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 Ornamentation

The mantel clock features an architectural gilt bronze case measuring 42 cm high, 23 cm wide, and 12.5 cm deep. Catalogued by the seller as a Baroque design, the cast metal structure incorporates scrolling and trailing foliage, set upon four hairy paw feet over an embellished base.

An urn finial decorated with scrolling side handles surmounts the top of the case. The central housing is flanked on the lower tier by two cast stylised dolphin figures resting above the base moulding.

Evidence for this section
  • “Height 42 cm, Width 23 cm, Depth 12.5 cm”
  • “It is of Baroque design with scrolling, trailing foliage, hairy paw feet and the clock flanked by charming figures of dolphins.”
  • “Gilt bronze architectural case surmounted by an urn finial with scrolling handles”
  • “Flanking stylised dolphin figures resting on the lower case tier”

Dial Configuration and Reported Condition

The circular dial is catalogued as porcelain enamel over copper, covered by convex glass and fitted with fretted gilt hands. The face displays black Roman numeral hour chapters, outer minute track markings, and two winding arbors positioned in the lower dial sector.

The dealer reports that the original gilding on the bronze case is clean with little wear or discolouration and no losses. On the dial, condition notes record minor damage consisting of tiny nibbles above the twelve o'clock position and a small chip adjacent to the '30' minute numeral, stated to be partially concealed when the bezel is closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with beautifully fretted gilt hands and convex glass.”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and dual winding arbors”
  • “Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses.”
  • “The dial is also in excellent condition just some tiny nibbles above the twelve o'clock and a small chip near the '30' which is partially hidden with the bezel closed.”

Movement Cataloguing and Attribution

The movement is not visible in the primary exterior photograph, with mechanical details derived entirely from the seller's cataloguing. The vendor states that the clock contains an eight-day striking French movement stamped with the Achille Brocot mark on the backplate, striking the hours and half-hours on a bell.

The clock is dated by the dealer to circa 1880 and was listed as accompanied by its bell, a suitable key, and its original pendulum. Internal mechanical condition, marks, and historical overhaul claims cannot be independently verified from the exterior front view.

Evidence for this section
  • “French - Circa 1880”
  • “Achille Brocot mark on the movement backplate”
  • “It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell.”
  • “Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key.”

Open research questions

  • What specific form of the Achille Brocot mark or trademark cachet (e.g., star, initials AB, or lettering) is stamped on the movement backplate?
  • Does the movement backplate or original pendulum bear matching numerical serial stampings?
  • Are there any maker or founder foundry stamps cast or stamped into the interior of the bronze case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock with Dolphins by Achille Brocot
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionAchille Brocot“A beautiful original gilt bronze antique French clock by the renown maker Achille Brocot.”
DatingCirca 1880“French - Circa 1880”
Dial specificationPorcelain enamel on copper with convex glass“The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with beautifully fretted gilt hands and convex glass.”
Movement duration and bell strike8-day movement striking hours and half-hours on a bell“It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell.”
Movement markAchille Brocot mark on backplate“Achille Brocot mark on the movement backplate”
Dimensions42 cm high, 23 cm wide, 12.5 cm deep“Height 42 cm, Width 23 cm, Depth 12.5 cm”
Dealer internal referenceRSC3514“Dealers Internal Ref RSC3514”

Visible details

  • Gilt bronze architectural case surmounted by an urn finial with scrolling handles
  • Flanking stylised dolphin figures resting on the lower case tier
  • Four foliate paw feet supporting an embellished plinth base
  • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and dual winding arbors
  • Fretted gilt hands positioned over the dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement backplate, Brocot maker mark, bell, and pendulum are concealed inside the case and not visible in this image
  • Source notes minor dial damage consisting of tiny nibbles above twelve o'clock and a small chip near the 30 minute numeral

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

Consulted source

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Dolphins by Achille Brocot | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8388f8dd77

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