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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Boulle-work bracket clock and bracket

Partially verified

This French bracket clock consists of a movement by Pierre Flournoy and a case attributed to François Goyer. Dated to approximately 1740-1760, the clock and its matching wall bracket feature a veneer of green-pigmented boulle-work, integrating horn with engraved brass inlays. The case design incorporates rococo elements, including gilt bronze mounts adorned with foliage scrolls, bunches of flowers, and shells. A notable decorative feature is a dragon figure positioned directly beneath the clock movement, which provides a chinoiserie effect. The clock dial is signed "FLOURNOY A PARIS", and the case bears the stamp "F. GOYER J.M.E.". The total object assembly includes the clock and its accompanying bracket, finished with gilt bronze mounts and detailed brass marquetry patterns, including carnations. The piece stands at a height of 1250 mm.

Front view of the bracket clock and its matching wall bracket.
Front view of the bracket clock and its matching wall bracket. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Pierre Flournoy (movement), François Goyer (case)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.1:1 to 3-1940
Source-reported date
ca. 1740-1760
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 Construction and Design

The clock and bracket are constructed with a boulle-work veneer. This technique utilizes horn backed with green pigment, combined with engraved brass inlays. The surface is decorated with floral patterns, specifically carnations, which are suggestive of motifs found on Middle Eastern ceramics. The overall aesthetic is influenced by the rococo style.

Gilt bronze mounts are applied to the case, featuring foliage scrolls, bunches of flowers, and shell motifs. Positioned directly below the clock section is a dragon-shaped mount, which is described as providing a chinoiserie effect to the overall design of the object.

The case is stamped 'F. Goyer J.M.E.' The use of green-pigmented boulle-work on clock cases remained prevalent through the mid-18th century, despite its decline in popularity for larger furniture items around 1715.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case of this bracket clock is veneered with boulle-work”
  • “case stamped ‘F. Goyer J.M.E.’”
  • “Directly below the clock is a dragon giving the design a chinoiserie effect.”
  • “Green boulle-work, as seen here, was very popular during the 1740s and 1750s.”

Movement and Signatures

The clock movement is attributed to Pierre Flournoy. The dial plate of the clock is inscribed with the signature 'FLOURNOY A PARIS'. This inscription identifies the location of the clockmaker's professional activity during the production period.

The movement is housed within the boulle-work case. The assembly includes both the clock mechanism and the matching support bracket, which together measure 1250 mm in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement by Pierre Flournoy a Paris”
  • “Dial plate marked ‘FLOURNOY A PARIS’”

Provenance and Production

The object originated in Paris and is dated to the period between 1740 and 1760. It was later acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum as a gift from Miss Rachel Leighton, facilitated through the Art Fund.

The piece is catalogued under the accession number M.1:1 to 3-1940. This documentation accounts for the clock and its bracket as a single entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of Miss Rachel Leighton through Art Fund”
  • “Accession number: M.1:1 to 3-1940”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the J.M.E. stamp in the context of François Goyer's production?
  • Are there archival records linking Flournoy and Goyer on other collaborative timepieces?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boulle-work bracket clock and bracket
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker of movementPierre Flournoy“movement by Pierre Flournoy”
Maker of caseFrançois Goyer“case by François. Goyer”
OriginParis“Paris, , ca. 1740-1760.”
MaterialsHorn, brass, gilt bronze“boulle-work consisting of horn, backed with green pigment, and engraved brass; gilt bronze mounts.”
Accession numberM.1:1 to 3-1940“M.1:1 to 3-1940”

Visible details

  • Dial is signed 'FLOURNOY A PARIS'
  • Case is stamped 'F GOYER'
  • Dragon mount located below the dial
  • Rococo style gilt bronze mounts throughout

Research qualifications

  • Date range is broad (1740-1760)
  • Specific role of F. Goyer (maker vs. retailer) is not elaborated beyond the stamp

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

Consulted source

Clock and bracket, brass and boulle work

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ce5d47e554

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records