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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

French Bronze-Mounted Marble Desk Clock

Partially verified

This desk clock features a white marble case embellished with bronze mounts. The construction includes a white dial with Arabic numerals and a floral garland decoration, surmounted by a pair of bronze birds in a resting pose. A bronze mount depicting crossed torches with laurel foliage is applied to the front face of the marble housing. The clock is set upon a rectangular marble base, which is accented with a bronze floral frieze and rests on small feet. The overall dimensions of the clock are approximately 8 inches in height by 4 3/4 inches in width. The auction description reports that the dial exhibits damage. The clock is presented as an antique French piece, though no specific date or manufacturer is identified in the provided documentation.

Front view of the antique French bronze-mounted white marble desk clock.
Front view of the antique French bronze-mounted white marble desk clock. — Market Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
54
Source-reported date
Not established
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 clock is housed in a white marble case of rectangular form, characterized by an arched top and mounted on a matching rectangular plinth. The primary decorative elements are fashioned from bronze, including a top finial depicting two birds perched together. Additional bronze ornamentation is applied to the front of the clock body, featuring a relief of crossed torches adorned with laurel foliage.

The base is similarly decorated with a horizontal bronze frieze containing a repeating floral motif. The clock assembly rests upon small circular feet, elevating the plinth from the surface. The contrast between the white marble body and the bronze mounts provides the primary visual structure for the desk clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Antique French Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock.”
  • “Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock.”

Dial and Hands

The clock features a circular dial, primarily white, marked with black Arabic numerals for the hours. Encircling the inner portion of the dial is a floral garland pattern, which surrounds the central hand arbor. The dial contains a single winding aperture located in the lower half.

The auction description explicitly mentions that the dial exhibits signs of damage. While the specific nature of this damage is not detailed in the text, the inclusion of this note indicates a potential loss of finish, cracking, or surface wear to the dial substrate as visible in the provided photographic documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial has damage, please see pictures.”

Dimensions and Identification

The desk clock is attributed to French origin in the auction listing. Its physical dimensions are documented as approximately 8 inches in height and 4 3/4 inches in width. These dimensions are noted by the auction house as approximations.

As a lot in an auction, the object is identified by the number 54. The provided text offers no further provenance, historical context, or manufacturer marks beyond the geographic attribution of France.

Evidence for this section
  • “Antique French Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock.”
  • “Measures approx. - 8" high x 4 3/4" wide.”
  • “Lot 54 : Antique French Bronze & Marble Desk Clock”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the movement manufacturer hidden behind the dial?
  • To what specific time period within the French antique tradition does this clock belong?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Bronze-Mounted Marble Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ItemAntique French Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock“Antique French Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock.”
Height8 inches“8" high”
Width4 3/4 inches“4 3/4" wide”
MaterialBronze and white marble“Antique French Bronze Mounted & White Marble Desk Clock.”
Dial conditionDamaged“Dial has damage, please see pictures.”
Lot number54“Lot 54 : Antique French Bronze & Marble Desk Clock”

Visible details

  • White marble case with bronze mounts
  • White dial featuring Arabic numerals and central floral garland decoration
  • Bronze finial depicting two birds
  • Bronze mount on front representing crossed torches with laurel branches

Research qualifications

  • The exact age or production period is not specified beyond the general description as 'antique'
  • The source notes that the dial has damage without providing a detailed condition report

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

Consulted source

Antique French Bronze & Marble Desk Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7170977130

Terms in this record

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

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