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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Belgian Slate Architectural Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This antique French mantel clock, dated by the auction house to circa the 1880s, is housed in a Belgian slate architectural case modeled in a temple style. The exterior features six fluted columns beneath a central cupola topped by a finial, flanked by pediment profiles and relief-molded panels. The circular dial displays engraved gilded Roman numerals and twin winding arbors. The movement is attributed by the catalog to Japy Frères and features gong striking. The clock measures 42.5 cm wide by 43 cm high and is accompanied by a winding key and pendulum.

Front view of the Belgian slate architectural mantel clock with key and pendulum
Front view of the Belgian slate architectural mantel clock with key and pendulum — Bargain Hunt Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Japy Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1157
Source-reported date
c. 1880s
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

Architectural Case Structure

The clock is housed in an architectural case of Belgian slate, cataloged as being in a temple style. The structure features six columns positioned beneath an upper cupola dome, arranged with three fluted columns flanking each side of the central dial. The cupola is topped with a turned finial and small corner accents above the pediment profiles.

Catalog dimensions record the clock as measuring 42.5 cm wide and 43 cm high. Lot tag 1157 is visibly affixed to the front center of the base plinth, and a pendulum rod alongside winding keys rests on the shelf surface in front.

Evidence for this section
  • “contained in a Belgian slate architectural form case, temple style with 6 columns under a cupola”
  • “Black slate case styled as a classical temple facade with three fluted columns flanking each side of the dial.”
  • “42.5cm W & 43cm T”
  • “Lot tag 1157 is affixed to the front center of the plinth base.”

Dial and Movement Details

The timepiece features a dial with engraved gilded Roman numerals and twin winding arbors visible on its face.

The movement is attributed by the catalog description to Japy Frères and incorporates a gong striking mechanism. The lot is accompanied by a key and pendulum. Because the rear of the clock and movement chamber are not shown in the source photograph, the maker stamping and movement configuration are source-reported rather than directly verifiable.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved gilded Roman numerals to dial”
  • “with movement by Japy Freres, gong striking”
  • “comes with key & pendulum”

Condition and Documentation Limits

The auction catalog reports the lot as 'slight AF' (all faults), specifically detailing chips to the front edges of the clock case and a hairline crack on the dial.

The auctioneer dates the clock to circa the 1880s. Under the auction terms of sale, mechanical items are not guaranteed to be in working order, and operational accuracy or mechanical completeness is not certified in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “slight AF some chips to front edges of clock and hairline crack to dial”
  • “c.1880s”
  • “mechanical lots of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement backplate bear the stamped roundel or trademark of Japy Frères along with an exhibition medal date?
  • Where is the hairline crack located across the dial face, and does it extend into the numeral track?
  • Is the gong striking mechanism mounted to the back door or to the base plate inside the slate case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Belgian Slate Architectural Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerJapy Frères“with movement by Japy Freres”
Striking MechanismGong striking“gong striking”
Case FormBelgian slate architectural case, temple style with 6 columns under a cupola“contained in a Belgian slate architectural form case, temple style with 6 columns under a cupola”
Dial FeaturesEngraved gilded Roman numerals“engraved gilded Roman numerals to dial”
AccessoriesKey and pendulum“comes with key & pendulum”
Dimensions42.5 cm wide by 43 cm high“42.5cm W & 43cm T”
Catalog Condition ReportSlight all faults (AF) with chips to front edges and a hairline crack to the dial“slight AF some chips to front edges of clock and hairline crack to dial”
Estimated Datingcirca 1880s“c.1880s”

Visible details

  • Black slate case styled as a classical temple facade with three fluted columns flanking each side of the dial.
  • A central dome cupola rests on top with a turned finial and small corner accents.
  • A pendulum rod and winding keys rest on the shelf in front of the base plinth.
  • Lot tag 1157 is affixed to the front center of the plinth base.

Research qualifications

  • Source reports condition issues including chips to the front edges of the clock and a hairline crack to the dial.
  • Movement maker attribution to Japy Frères is source-reported; the movement and rear case are not visible in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Antique French mantel clock,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b79da70ce9

Terms in this record

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

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