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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Cailly Freres French Figural Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, manufactured circa 1880, features a figural bronze sculpture of a royal or scholarly figure leaning against a tree trunk. The figure holds a book, with a scepter placed beside it, set upon a stepped brass base decorated with acanthus leaf motifs. The circular dial displays Roman numerals and bears the signature of the maker, Cailly Freres. The internal movement is a two-train mechanical system equipped with a silk suspension for the pendulum and an outside countwheel striking mechanism. The timepiece is composed of a combination of bronze, brass, and ormolu (gilt bronze) elements. The movement is visible from the rear, exposing the bell and countwheel assembly. The auction description reports the clock as having an impressive visual appearance, though it notes that technical service records are unavailable.

Front view of the Cailly Freres figural mantel clock featuring a seated royal figure, Roman numeral dial, and acanthus-adorned stepped base.
Front view of the Cailly Freres figural mantel clock featuring a seated royal figure, Roman numeral dial, and acanthus-adorned stepped base. — Pendulum of Mayfair. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Cailly Freres
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880
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 and Dial Design

The clock is designed as a sculptural mantel piece, centering on a cast bronze figure of a royal or courtly individual. The subject is depicted in a reclining pose against a naturalistic tree stump, clutching a book in one hand, while a scepter rests at their side. The sculpture rests upon a rectangular stepped base finished in bright brass, embellished with relief carvings of acanthus leaves and decorative scrollwork.

The circular dial is set into the base structure, surrounded by a gilt decorative frame. It features a patterned center and standard Roman numerals for the hour markers. The maker's signature, 'Cailly Freres', is clearly engraved on the lower section of the dial face, confirming the provenance of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت شامل یک مجسمه ریخته‌گری‌شده از شخصیتی سلطنتی است”
  • “صفحه ساعت دایره‌ای با پرداخت طرح‌دار، ارقام رومی و حاشیه تزیینی قاب‌بندی شده”
  • “امضای سازنده یعنی Cailly Freres در بخش پایین آن به چشم می‌خورد.”

Movement and Mechanism

Internally, the clock is powered by a two-train mechanical movement designed to drive both timekeeping and striking functions. The escapement utilizes a traditional silk suspension system, which is a characteristic feature of late 19th-century French mantle clocks of this type.

The striking mechanism is configured with an outside countwheel, which is visible from the rear of the clock case. This system actuates a hammer that strikes against an exposed metallic bell mounted to the rear of the movement housing. This design allows for the direct observation of the strike train operation during the activation of the chime.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای دو قطار دنده (Two-train) بوده و از سیستم تعلیق ابریشمی (silk suspension) بهره می‌برد.”
  • “سیستم زنگ آن مجهز به چرخ شمارشگر بیرونی (outside countwheel) است که بر روی کاسه زنگ فلزی می‌نوازد”

Reported Condition and Considerations

The auction description reports the clock is in overall excellent visual condition with high-quality fabrication of the decorative elements. The piece retains its gilded and bronze finishes, which define its aesthetic profile.

It is recommended to verify the integrity of the silk suspension, the operation of the strike train, and the condition of the mainsprings, as well as to ensure the presence of a compatible winding key before attempting to operate the mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت در وضعیت ظاهری فوق‌العاده و طراحی باکیفیتی قرار دارد”
  • “گزارش مکتوبی از سرویس‌های فنی یا روغن‌کاری‌های اخیر ارائه نشده است.”
  • “پیش از راه‌اندازی، سلامت نخ ابریشمی تعلیق، عملکرد چرخ شمارش و وضعیت فنرهای کوک بررسی شود”

Open research questions

  • What are the exact dimensions of this specific clock model?
  • Does the Cailly Freres signature on the dial match the serial numbering typically found on the movement backplate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cailly Freres French Figural Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCailly Freres“Cailly Freres”
Datecirca 1880“حدود ۱۸۸۰”
Country of manufactureFrance“فرانسه”
MaterialsBronze, brass, and ormolu“برنج، برنز و تزیینات اورمولو (ormolu / برنز زراندود)”
Movement typeTwo-train mechanical“موتور ساعت دارای دو قطار دنده (Two-train) بوده”
SuspensionSilk suspension“سیستم تعلیق ابریشمی (silk suspension)”
Striking systemOutside countwheel“مجهز به چرخ شمارشگر بیرونی (outside countwheel)”

Visible details

  • Figure includes a royal scepter and book
  • Dial is signed 'CAILLY FRERES' at the bottom
  • Outside countwheel is mounted on the movement backplate
  • Case incorporates contrasting brass, bronze, and ormolu finishes

Research qualifications

  • Service history and mechanical functionality remain unverified
  • The specific identity of the figural subject is subject to interpretation

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

Consulted source

Antique French Mantel Clock by Cailly Freres C1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ab5919427f

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

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