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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cartel clock

French Cartel Wall Clock

Partially verified

This decorative French cartel wall clock dates from the late 19th century and features an ornate case constructed in gilt metal. The case is decorated with rococo-style scrolls, floral motifs, and openwork elements, surmounted by an urn-shaped finial. Its white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals, pierced gilt hands, and two winding apertures, positioned behind a side-opening convex glass door. The clock is powered by an unsigned French mechanical movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell.

Front view of the gilt cartel wall clock with urn finial and enamel dial
Front view of the gilt cartel wall clock with urn finial and enamel dial — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Clock · Cartel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
106234023
Source-reported date
late 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

Case Construction and Ornamentation

The clock features an ornate case constructed from gilt metal. The decorative scheme incorporates rococo-style scrolls, floral motifs, and openwork elements.

The top of the clock is surmounted by an urn-shaped finial featuring scrollwork handles. The lower portion of the case includes acanthus leaf carving and a drop finial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The richly ornamented case is made of gilt metal, with rococo-style scrolls, floral motifs and openwork decoration.”
  • “Surmounted by an urn-shaped finial with scrollwork handles”
  • “Elaborate gilt openwork lower section with acanthus leaf carving and drop finial”

Dial and Access

The clock is fitted with an enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and pierced gilt hands. Two winding holes are present on the dial face.

A side-opening convex glass door provides access to the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “original enamel dial with Arabic numerals, finely shaped gilt hands and two winding holes.”
  • “The convex glass door opens to the side.”

Mechanical Movement

The clock contains a French mechanical movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. The movement is unsigned, and no definitive maker attribution can be established from the source.

While the auction listing notes similarities to movements produced by Japy Frères, the source clarifies that this is a stylistic comparison.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock is fitted with a traditional French mechanical movement striking the hours and half-hours on a bell.”
  • “The movement is not signed, so no definite attribution to a particular maker can be made.”
  • “Its construction and arrangement are, however, very similar to French movements produced during this period, including examples by Japy Frères.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks or serial numbers stamped on the rear plates of the movement not visible in the provided imagery?
  • Does the casting quality of the gilt metal case provide evidence of the manufacturing process or regional origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Cartel Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialGilt metal“The richly ornamented case is made of gilt metal”
Dial typeEnamel dial with Arabic numerals“original enamel dial with Arabic numerals”
Movement maker signatureUnsigned“The movement is not signed, so no definite attribution to a particular maker can be made.”
Striking mechanismStrikes hours and half-hours on a bell“striking the hours and half-hours on a bell”
Estimated DatingLate 19th century“dating from the late 19th century”

Visible details

  • Surmounted by an urn-shaped finial with scrollwork handles
  • Elaborate gilt openwork lower section with acanthus leaf carving and drop finial
  • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and pierced gilt hands
  • Two winding apertures visible on the dial face

Research qualifications

  • The movement is unsigned; the auction listing's mention of Japy Frères is an unverified comparison.
  • Internal mechanical movement and bell are not visible in the front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Cartel clock - Japy Frères - - Gilt brass - 1880-1920 - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record acfb95d0a3

Terms in this record

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

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