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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Clock with bracket by Gernier

Partially verified

This mid-18th century bracket clock, held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 00.12.4a, b, is attributed to the clockmaker Gernier. Produced in Paris, France, the object consists of a clock movement and a matching wall-mounted bracket. The construction of the ensemble utilizes wood, brass, and enamel. The piece stands at a total height of 14 1/2 inches (36.8 cm), with a circular dial measuring 2 1/8 inches (5.4 cm) in diameter. The design features decorative metal appliques on the wooden case, including a figure mounted at the summit of the clock, and a relief depicting human figures situated below the dial.

The bracket clock and its mounting bracket, featuring a finial figure and brass decorative mounts.
The bracket clock and its mounting bracket, featuring a finial figure and brass decorative mounts. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Gernier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
00.12.4a, b
Source-reported date
mid-18th century
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 Ornamentation

The bracket clock is constructed from wood, accented with brass decorative mounts and enamel elements. The case design incorporates a standing figure at its summit, supporting a spear, which serves as a decorative finial. Below the dial, the case is further ornamented with a relief sculpture featuring two figures.

The associated bracket is integrated with the design of the clock, following a complementary shape.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wood, brass, enamel”
  • “Height: 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)”
  • “French, Paris”

Maker and Provenance

The Metropolitan Museum of Art maintains this clock within its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. The museum attributes the manufacture to a maker identified as Gernier. The clock is recorded under the accession number 00.12.4a, b, which signifies the combined object consisting of both the clock and the bracket.

The museum record identifies the date of production as the mid-18th century. While the object is documented by the museum, the details regarding the maker's broader body of work and the specific horological context of this clock require further independent investigation to confirm the attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 00.12.4a, b”
  • “Clockmaker: Gernier”
  • “mid-18th century”
  • “European Sculpture and Decorative Arts”

Dimensions and Dial

The timepiece features a dial with an enamel finish, measuring 2 1/8 inches in diameter. The dial displays numeral markers and indicators for timekeeping, consistent with the scale of the overall instrument.

The entire assembly of the clock and its bracket reaches a height of 14 1/2 inches, or 36.8 cm. These dimensions are provided by the holding institution and reflect the combined state of the two-part object as preserved in the collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Height: 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm); Diameter (dial): 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)”
  • “Wood, brass, enamel”

Open research questions

  • What additional works or records exist to corroborate the attribution to the maker Gernier?
  • How does this specific clock compare to other documented Parisian bracket clocks from the mid-18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clock with bracket by Gernier
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGernier“Clockmaker: Gernier”
Datemid-18th century“mid-18th century”
OriginParis, France“French, Paris”
Accession Number00.12.4a, b“00.12.4a, b”
MaterialsWood, brass, enamel“Wood, brass, enamel”
Height14 1/2 inches (36.8 cm)“Height: 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)”
Dial Diameter2 1/8 inches (5.4 cm)“Diameter (dial): 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)”

Visible details

  • A standing figure holding a spear serves as a finial at the top of the clock case.
  • A central relief featuring two human figures is positioned on the case front beneath the dial.
  • The clock dial features a white enamel finish with Roman numerals.
  • The bracket follows the curved outline of the clock case with matching decorative mounts.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to the maker Gernier requires verification against broader horological records.
  • The wider type classification for this specific model has not been independently confirmed.

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

Consulted source

Clock with bracket

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 93a9d46bff

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records