Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Boulle mantel clock with ormolu

Partially verified

This mantel clock, dating to circa 1870, is constructed in the Boulle style. The case features a decorative exterior surface of red shell inlaid with ormolu elements, complemented by cast ormolu mounts and a top finial. The clock face is an original enamel dial displaying Roman numerals and includes a set of original hands. The clock is powered by a French movement with an eight-day power reserve and a bell-striking mechanism. The dimensions of the case are 37 centimeters in height, 20 centimeters in width, and 11 centimeters in depth. The exterior of the clock shows minor signs of age and wear consistent with its production period, while the interior houses the mechanical components accessible via a rear door.

Front view of the Boulle mantel clock showing the enamel dial, Roman numerals, and ormolu mounts.
Front view of the Boulle mantel clock showing the enamel dial, Roman numerals, and ormolu mounts. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
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 Design and Decoration

The clock features a traditional mantel design adorned with Boulle-style marquetry. The case surface incorporates red shell inlay set against intricate ormolu mounts, which serve as both decorative and functional elements.

The structure is elevated on four scrolled feet and is completed by a decorative finial at the top. The condition of the exterior is reported as good, although the surface exhibits slight wear and signs of age consistent with the late 19th-century origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “تزیینات سبک بول (Boulle) به همراه لاک قرمز (Red shell) و عناصر برنز زراندود (Ormolu)”
  • “قاب ساعت با توجه به سن و سال خود در وضعیت مناسبی قرار داشته و تنها دارای نشانه‌ها و سایش‌های ظاهری جزئی ناشی از گذر زمان است.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The front of the clock is dominated by an enamel dial, which the source describes as the original component. The dial features black Roman numerals for the hours, with small Arabic numeral markers indicating five-minute intervals.

The movement is a French-made caliber featuring an eight-day power reserve. The clock is equipped with a bell-striking mechanism, which provides audible time signals.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه میناکاری‌شده اصلی با اعداد رومی”
  • “موتور فرانسوی با ذخیره کارکرد ۸ روزه مجهز بوده که از سیستم زنگ‌زن ناقوسی (Bellstriking) بهره می‌برد.”

Mechanical Access

Access to the movement and striking train is provided through a hinged door located at the rear of the clock case. This arrangement allows for winding and adjustment of the internal mechanisms, which include the bell and the movement plates.

The interior construction is finished in a plain dark material, contrasting with the ornate exterior decor of the main body.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت طبق مشخصات ارائه‌شده دارای مرصع‌کاری‌های برنز زراندود (Ormolu inlay)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the French movement?
  • Has the red shell veneer been significantly restored or replaced?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boulle mantel clock with ormolu
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1870“Ca 1870”
Country of manufactureFrance“موتور فرانسوی”
Case dimensions37 x 20 x 11 cm“عمق ۱۱ × عرض ۲۰ × ارتفاع ۳۷ سانتی‌متر”
Movement duration8 days“۸ روزه”
Striking mechanismBell striking“سیستم زنگ‌زن ناقوسی (Bellstriking)”
Case materialsOrmolu and red shell“تزیینات سبک بول (Boulle) به همراه لاک قرمز (Red shell) و عناصر برنز زراندود (Ormolu)”
Dial typeOriginal enamel“صفحه میناکاری‌شده اصلی”

Visible details

  • The movement plate is visible in the rear view and appears to have a numerical stamp.
  • The clock face has Arabic numerals for minutes positioned outside the Roman numeral hour markers.
  • The case includes four scrolled feet supporting the structure.

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the clock movement, beyond its identification as French, is not specified.
  • The degree of restoration to the red shell and ormolu inlay is not detailed.

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

Consulted source

Lovely Boulle ormolu & Red shell Mantel Clock – Ca 1870

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fafc5cd9f9

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records