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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Franz Hermle & Sons Louis XV Style Marquetry Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This vintage Louis XV-style mantel clock dates to the second half of the 20th century and features a mechanical movement reported to be by Franz Hermle & Sons. The wooden case exhibits inlaid floral marquetry accented with cast gilt metal mounts, scrolled rococo-style feet, and a figural putto finial seated atop the upper pediment holding a horn. The circular dial displays a cast gilt bronze center surrounded by individual enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals. The listing notes that the case was made in Italy, the movement is stamped 'FHS Germany', and the face carries a faux Tiffany label.

Front view of the Louis XV style marquetry mantel clock showing the putti finial, ornate dial, and gilt metal mounts
Front view of the Louis XV style marquetry mantel clock showing the putti finial, ornate dial, and gilt metal mounts — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Franz Hermle & Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2173
Source-reported date
Second Half 20th Century
Country
Germany

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 Ornamentation

The clock is designed in the Louis XV and Rococo style, measuring approximately 31 inches high, 14.25 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. Its wooden case features inlaid floral marquetry accented with gilt metal ornament, including scrolling feet and a figural putti finial.

Visible observation shows the sculptural gilt putto holding a horn atop the upper pediment, as well as a lower glazed door section revealing an interior pendulum cavity framed by cast gilt mounts. Although the listing classifies the country of origin generally as Germany, the description specifically notes that the case was made in Italy.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wooden case with inlaid floral marquetry and gilt metal ornament, including scrolling feet and figural putti finial.”
  • “Case made in Italy, face with faux Tiffany label.”
  • “Height: 31 inches / 78.74 cm Width: 14.25 inches / 36.2 cm Depth: 8 inches / 20.32 cm”
  • “A sculptural gilt putto holding a horn sits atop the clock's upper pediment.”
  • “A lower glazed door section reveals an interior pendulum cavity framed by cast gilt mounts.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The clock face is described as a circular doré bronze construction with enamel Roman numerals. Direct inspection shows individual white enamel cartouches bearing black Roman numerals set against an intricately patterned bronze center.

A small white cartouche located below the dial displays a cursive 'Tiffany' script mark. The source description explicitly records this face marking as a 'faux Tiffany label'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock face a circular dore bronze construction with enamel Roman numerals.”
  • “The dial features individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals set against an intricately patterned bronze center.”
  • “Case made in Italy, face with faux Tiffany label.”
  • “A small white cartouche below the dial bears a cursive 'Tiffany' script mark.”

Movement and Condition Reporting

The listing reports that the movement was produced by Franz Hermle & Sons and is marked 'FHS Germany' on the movement, with original key and pendulum included. Because the movement mechanism itself is not visible in the provided photograph, this stamp and attribution remain unverified by direct observation.

Regarding operating status, the source condition report states that the clock was 'Not in working order at the time of consignment' and exhibits 'Wear consistent with age and use.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Louis XV-style mantel clock with movement by Franz Hermle & Sons.”
  • “Marked FHS Germany on movement. Includes original key and pendulum.”
  • “Not in working order at the time of consignment.”
  • “Wear consistent with age and use.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber or movement model numbers are stamped on the rear movement plate alongside the reported 'FHS Germany' mark?
  • What mechanical issues account for the clock not being in working order at consignment?
  • Are there any maker stamps, export marks, or workshop labels inside or beneath the Italian-made wooden case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Franz Hermle & Sons Louis XV Style Marquetry Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MarkingFHS Germany“Marked FHS Germany on movement.”
MaterialsWood, Bronze, Enamel“Materials Wood, Bronze, Enamel”
Height31 inches / 78.74 cm“Height: 31 inches / 78.74 cm”
Width14.25 inches / 36.2 cm“Width: 14.25 inches / 36.2 cm”
Depth8 inches / 20.32 cm“Depth: 8 inches / 20.32 cm”
Case OriginItaly“Case made in Italy, face with faux Tiffany label.”
Reported ConditionNot in working order at time of consignment“Not in working order at the time of consignment.”

Visible details

  • A sculptural gilt putto holding a horn sits atop the clock's upper pediment.
  • The dial features individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals set against an intricately patterned bronze center.
  • A lower glazed door section reveals an interior pendulum cavity framed by cast gilt mounts.
  • A small white cartouche below the dial bears a cursive 'Tiffany' script mark.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is not visible in the photograph to independently confirm the reported 'FHS Germany' stamp.
  • Source reports the clock was not in working order at the time of consignment.
  • Source notes the face bears a faux Tiffany label.

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

Consulted source

Franz Hermle & Sons Vintage German Louis XV Style Marquetry Mantel Clock Available For Immediate Sale At Sotheby’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 665e71e408

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