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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mystery clock

Bonnet and Pottier Winged Figure Mystery Clock

Partially verified

This antique mystery clock measures 40 inches in height and features a winged male figure standing upon roiling clouds above a rouge-colored turned wood base. According to the auction description, the sculpture is after a noted French sculptor and bears a Paris founder's mark. The figure's upraised arm suspends an 'X' suspension mechanism holding a brass spring-driven mystery clock with a time-only movement. The movement, signed Bonnet and Pottier, is housed within a green case finished with applied brass Roman numerals and a ribbon surmount, operating alongside a compound pendulum system with a lower green spherical bob.

Antique winged figure mystery clock with Bonnet and Pottier movement
Antique winged figure mystery clock with Bonnet and Pottier movement — Soulis Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Mystery clock
Maker / attribution
Bonnet and Pottier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
696
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

Sculptural Composition and Support

The assembly measures 40 inches in height and features a patinated cast winged male figure standing atop sculpted roiling clouds on a turned stepped circular wooden base finished in rouge color. The figure's upraised arm acts as the suspension point for the mystery clock mechanism.

The catalog describes the cast figure as being 'after a French sculptor of note and bearing a Paris founder's mark'. However, the catalog does not identify the specific sculptor, the precise wording or imagery of the founder's mark, or the metal alloy composition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The large and striking winged male figure upon roiling clouds after a French sculptor of note and bearing a Paris founder's mark stands on a rouge colored turned wood base”
  • “Measures 40 inches.”
  • “Patinated winged figure cast standing atop sculpted roiling clouds.”
  • “Turned stepped circular wooden base with a reddish-brown rouge finish.”

Dial and Mystery Suspension Assembly

Suspended from the figure's upraised arm is an 'X' suspension mechanism supporting the mystery clock assembly. The upper spherical case is pale green with applied brass Roman numerals, pierced hands, and a ribbon bow surmount.

Below the upper dial sphere, a suspension rod extends down to a matching pale green spherical pendulum bob, completing the suspended oscillating compound assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “with upraised arm suspending an 'X' suspension mechanism and brass spring-driven mystery clock with time only movement within a green case having applied brass Roman numerals and ribbon surmount.”
  • “Spherical pale green clock case mounted at the top of a suspended framework.”
  • “Applied brass Roman numerals and pierced hands on the clock face.”
  • “Ribbon bow surmount crowning the upper sphere.”
  • “Matching pale green spherical pendulum bob at the base of the suspension rod.”

Movement Details and Catalog Limitations

The mystery clock movement is reported in the catalog as a brass spring-driven, time-only mechanism signed 'Bonnet and Pottier'. Specific internal escapement construction and mechanical operation are not visible in the external photograph or detailed in the catalog text.

Although the listing notes a Paris founder's mark and describes the overall condition as very good and intact, it provides no serial numbers, production dates, or specific historical background for Bonnet and Pottier.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed Bonnet and Pottier.”
  • “brass spring-driven mystery clock with time only movement”
  • “Condition Very good intact condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear.”

Open research questions

  • Which French sculptor and Paris foundry are referenced by the marks on the cast figure?
  • What specific markings or serial numbers are present on the Bonnet and Pottier movement plates?
  • What specific metal alloy was used to cast the winged figure and cloud base?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bonnet and Pottier Winged Figure Mystery Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureBonnet and Pottier“The movement is signed Bonnet and Pottier.”
Movement TypeBrass spring-driven time-only“brass spring-driven mystery clock with time only movement”
Suspension Mechanism'X' suspension mechanism“suspending an 'X' suspension mechanism”
Height40 inches“Measures 40 inches.”
Case DesignGreen case with applied brass Roman numerals and ribbon surmount“within a green case having applied brass Roman numerals and ribbon surmount.”
BaseRouge-colored turned wood base“stands on a rouge colored turned wood base”
Lot Number696“Lot 696”
Seller Condition ClaimReported as very good intact condition throughout with no damage, repair, or heavy wear“Condition Very good intact condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear.”

Visible details

  • Patinated winged figure cast standing atop sculpted roiling clouds.
  • Turned stepped circular wooden base with a reddish-brown rouge finish.
  • Spherical pale green clock case mounted at the top of a suspended framework.
  • Applied brass Roman numerals and pierced hands on the clock face.
  • Ribbon bow surmount crowning the upper sphere.
  • Matching pale green spherical pendulum bob at the base of the suspension rod.

Research qualifications

  • Specific French sculptor and Paris foundry mark names are not stated in the source text.
  • Internal movement mechanism details and condition are not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

A DRAMATIC ANTIQUE MYSTERY CLOCK WITH WINGED FIGURE sold at auction on 6th December | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fbfb75310b

Terms in this record

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

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