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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Antique French Mantel Clock, Paris maker, c1875

Partially verified

This French mantel clock dates to circa 1875 and is attributed by the seller to an unnamed Paris medallion award maker. The case combines gilded metalwork and white marble sections, supported on a carved gold leaf plinth with an inset fabric top. The white dial features black Roman numerals, an outer minute ring, and two winding apertures. According to the dealer, the clock features an eight-day movement with bell strike and matching numbers, accompanied by a winding key.

Front view of the gilded French figural mantel clock with white marble sections and gold leaf plinth
Front view of the gilded French figural mantel clock with white marble sections and gold leaf plinth — The Chimes. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
rc003a255
Source-reported date
c1875
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 is described by the dealer as gilded over white marble and accompanied by a plinth finished in gold leaf. Direct visual inspection shows the gilded metal casting formed with rococo-style openwork scrolls, foliage, and shell motifs set over translucent white marble or alabaster backing panels.

A cast gilt metal female figure in draped clothing is positioned to the left of the circular dial drum. The entire structure is supported by a carved gilt wooden base plinth detailed with scrolls and foliate carving, featuring a fabric-covered upper surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Guilded over white marble with its original Gold leaf plinth”
  • “Elaborate rococo-style openwork scrolls, foliage, and shell motifs framing the dial and lower plinth.”
  • “Gilt metal female figure in draped clothing standing to the left of the circular dial drum.”
  • “Gilt wooden base plinth with carved floral and scroll details, covered on top with fabric.”

Dial and External Accessories

The time is indicated on a circular white dial displaying black Roman numeral hour markers, Arabic five-minute numerals along the outer perimeter, and dark pierced hands. Two winding apertures are located within the lower half of the dial face.

A detached brass-toned winding key rests in front of the base plinth on the supporting surface. The dealer notes that the clock retains matching numbers, though movement or case stampings are not visible in the provided photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “White circular dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers, Arabic five-minute numerals, two winding apertures, and dark pierced hands.”
  • “Detached brass-toned winding key resting on the wooden table surface in front.”
  • “Matching numbers”

Reported Movement and Attribution

According to the seller's listing, the clock houses an eight-day movement with a bell strike. Because internal views of the movement and escapement are not provided in this record, these operational specifications cannot be independently confirmed from the imagery.

The seller dates the clock to circa 1875 and attributes it to a 'Paris medallion award maker'. The specific manufacturer, workshop, or award roundel inscription is not documented in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “French Mantel Clock C1875”
  • “8 day bell strike”
  • “Paris medallion award maker”

Open research questions

  • Which Paris maker or foundry is indicated by the reported medallion award stamp on the movement?
  • Where are the matching serial or assembly numbers stamped on the movement and case parts?
  • What specific fabric covers the top of the carved gold leaf plinth?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French Mantel Clock, Paris maker, c1875
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec1875“French Mantel Clock C1875”
Maker attributionParis medallion award maker“Paris medallion award maker”
Movement duration and strike8 day bell strike“8 day bell strike”
Movement numberingMatching numbers“Matching numbers”
MaterialsGuilded over white marble with original gold leaf plinth“Guilded over white marble with its original Gold leaf plinth”
Dealer price£2450.00“Price £ 2450.00”
Dealer contact nameMartin Daly MBHI“Martin Daly MBHI.”

Visible details

  • White circular dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers, Arabic five-minute numerals, two winding apertures, and dark pierced hands.
  • Gilt metal female figure in draped clothing standing to the left of the circular dial drum.
  • Elaborate rococo-style openwork scrolls, foliage, and shell motifs framing the dial and lower plinth.
  • Translucent white marble or alabaster backing panels set behind the lower and upper gilt fretwork.
  • Gilt wooden base plinth with carved floral and scroll details, covered on top with fabric.
  • Detached brass-toned winding key resting on the wooden table surface in front.

Research qualifications

  • The specific maker's name is not recorded beyond the seller's note of a 'Paris medallion award maker'.
  • Movement condition, matching numbers, and bell striking operation are reported by the seller and not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Antique French Mantel Clock, Paris Maker, C1875 rc003a255

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 75507691f7

Terms in this record

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

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