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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton mantel clock

Charles Oudin Skeleton Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This nineteenth-century French bronze skeleton clock is attributed by the dealer to Charles Oudin (élève de Breguet). The construction features an exposed A-frame movement supported by twin gilt flanking pillars mounted above a rectangular plinth base. A circular silvered dial framed by a gilt bezel is inset into the front of the plinth, displaying black Roman numerals, a concentric track, and Breguet-style hands.

Charles Oudin skeleton mantel clock on plinth base
Charles Oudin skeleton mantel clock on plinth base — Galerie de Fontaine / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Charles Oudin
Reference
1804348
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
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

Attribution and Stylistic Classification

The clock is listed in trade documentation with an attribution to "Charles Oudin - élève De Breguet". The dealership lists the piece under the "19th century" period and categorizes its style as "Louis Philippe, Charles 10th".

Maker markings or signatures on the dial or movement are not legible in the supplied photograph, and no specific serial numbers or inscriptions are recorded in the dealer's text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Artist: Charles Oudin - élève De Breguet”
  • “Period: 19th century”
  • “Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”

Architecture and Plinth Display

The listing records the material as "Bronze" with dimensions of 44 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 16.5 cm in depth. The structure features an openwork A-frame skeletonized movement architecture resting above a rectangular base and flanked by twin gilt pillars.

Visual observation indicates that the plinth base is bordered with stepped gilt mouldings and rests on gilt feet. The circular silvered dial is positioned in the front face of the plinth rather than in the upper movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material: Bronze”
  • “Width: 30 cm Height: 44 cm Depth: 16,5 cm”
  • “Openwork A-frame skeletonized movement architecture resting above a rectangular base and flanked by twin gilt pillars”
  • “Plinth base bordered with stepped gilt mouldings and resting on gilt feet”

Horological Components and Observations

The clock features a circular silvered dial with Roman hour numerals and Breguet-style open-tipped hands set in the front plinth. Suspended beneath the movement frame is a visible gridiron-type compensation pendulum.

Specific mechanical details such as the escapement type, train arrangement, and running duration are not recorded in this source. In addition, no protective glass dome is shown in the provided photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular silvered dial with Roman hour numerals and Breguet-style open-tipped hands set in the front plinth”
  • “Visible gridiron-type compensation pendulum suspended beneath the movement frame”

Open research questions

  • Does the dial or movement carry an engraved signature, workshop address, or serial number verifying the Charles Oudin attribution?
  • What escapement configuration and gear train arrangement are utilized in the movement?
  • Was this skeleton clock originally accompanied by a fitted glass dome and plinth?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Oudin Skeleton Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionCharles Oudin - élève De Breguet“Artist: Charles Oudin - élève De Breguet”
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
StyleLouis Philippe, Charles 10th“Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”
MaterialBronze“Material: Bronze”
Dimensions44 cm (H) x 30 cm (W) x 16.5 cm (D)“Width: 30 cm Height: 44 cm Depth: 16,5 cm”
Reference ID1804348“Reference (ID): 1804348”

Visible details

  • Openwork A-frame skeletonized movement architecture resting above a rectangular base and flanked by twin gilt pillars
  • Visible gridiron-type compensation pendulum suspended beneath the movement frame
  • Circular silvered dial with Roman hour numerals and Breguet-style open-tipped hands set in the front plinth
  • Plinth base bordered with stepped gilt mouldings and resting on gilt feet

Research qualifications

  • Dealer listing text provides no escapement or running specifications
  • Dial inscription detailing the maker signature is not legible at the provided photographic resolution, though the source attributes the piece to Charles Oudin - élève de Breguet
  • Protective glass dome is not depicted

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Charles Oudin - Skeleton Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3c823eb2e3

Terms in this record

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

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