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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Empire mantel clock with Benjamin Franklin figure

Partially verified

This 19th-century French Empire-style mantel clock features a gilt-bronze sculpture of Benjamin Franklin seated beside an electrostatic machine. The figure is depicted wearing a fur-trimmed coat, referencing his time in France. The clock case is constructed from a dark material, providing a contrast to the gilt-bronze decorative elements, including the dial surround with leaf and scroll motifs, and the base supported by foliate-decorated scroll feet. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals. The clock is reported by the source to have been created by a French artist in the style of the clockmaker Dubuc. The piece stands approximately 58.4 cm in height, 27.9 cm in width, and 17.8 cm in depth. The condition and provenance of the internal mechanisms remain undocumented by the source.

Front view showing the gilt-bronze figure of Benjamin Franklin and the Empire-style clock case.
Front view showing the gilt-bronze figure of Benjamin Franklin and the Empire-style clock case. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th 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 Figurative Decoration

The clock is designed in the French Empire style, characterized by a dark, rectilinear case that serves as a pedestal for a large, gilt-bronze sculpture. The sculpture depicts Benjamin Franklin seated in an armchair, accompanied by a miniature model of an electrostatic machine, a nod to his scientific contributions. The figure is rendered with clothing details including a fur-trimmed coat.

The base and upper sections of the case are adorned with gilt-bronze mounts. The dial is framed by a decorative bezel featuring foliage and scrollwork, while the bottom of the case is mounted on scrolling feet that incorporate foliate designs. These elements provide a high-contrast aesthetic against the dark surface of the main case body.

Evidence for this section
  • “در سبک امپراتوری (Empire-style) طراحی و ساخته شده است”
  • “تندیس برنزی زراندود شده فرانکلین قرار دارد که در کنار یک دستگاه الکترواستاتیک نشسته است”
  • “پایه مشکی ساعت نیز بر روی پایه‌های حلزونی برنزی با نقوش اسلیمی و شاخ و برگ استوار است”

Dial and Movement

The clock features a white dial marked with black Roman numerals. The dial is set within the main body, surrounded by an ornamental bronze frame. Behind the clock, a brass-framed glazed door allows for visibility and access to the internal mechanism and the mechanical bell.

Technical details regarding the movement, such as its specific type or maker, are not provided. The source states that exact details concerning past maintenance or the operational status of the bell-strike mechanism are not recorded in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت به رنگ سفید با ارقام رومی مشکی طراحی شده”
  • “دورتادور آن را قاب برنزی پرکار با موتیف‌های برگ و اسکرول احاطه کرده است”
  • “درب شیشه‌ای با فریم برنجی دسترسی به موتور و کاسه زنگ مکانیکی را فراهم می‌سازد”

Attribution and Background

The source indicates that the clock was created by a French artist, noting it is executed in the style of the clockmaker Dubuc.

The source provides these details as claims provided by the gallery, clarifying that they do not represent an independent authentication by the platform.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت توسط یک هنرمند فرانسوی و به سبک کارهای دوبوک (Dubuc) آفریده شده است”
  • “ساعت‌هایی با بازنمایی چهره فرانکلین در هنر ساعت‌سازی تاریخی بسیار کمیاب به شمار می‌روند”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain any maker's marks or serial numbers hidden on the plates?
  • Are there similar documented examples by the clockmaker Dubuc to confirm the stylistic attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Empire mantel clock with Benjamin Franklin figure
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date19th century“متعلق به قرن نوزدهم میلادی”
MaterialsGilt bronze and black case material“تندیس برنزی زراندود شده”
Height58.4 cm“۵۸.۴ سانتی‌متر”
Width27.9 cm“۲۷.۹ سانتی‌متر”
Depth17.8 cm“۱۷.۸ سانتی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Gilt-bronze figure of Benjamin Franklin with an electrostatic apparatus
  • Black case with gilt-bronze scroll feet and decorative base moulding
  • White dial with Roman numerals surrounded by a leaf-and-scroll gilt bezel
  • Glazed rear access panel revealing a bell-strike movement

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the clockmaker is unconfirmed, noted only as being in the style of Dubuc
  • The operational status and full originality of the internal clock movement are not specified by the source

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

Consulted source

ساعت شومینه‌ای سبک امپراتوری فرانسه با تمثیل Benjamin Franklin

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7c44adea7a

Terms in this record

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

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