Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, dated by the source to circa 1830, features an ormolu bronze case mounted on turned feet. The clock stands 32.5cm high, 24.5cm wide, and 9cm deep. Its dial is enamel with black Roman numerals and an engine-turned centre, set with Empire-style blue steel hands. The piece includes an eight-day movement with bell striking for the hours and half-hours, utilizing a silk suspension system. The case design incorporates a figure of a youth holding a book, balanced by a torch and palm frond motif. The movement is accessed via an open front and back bezel. The object is accompanied by a winding key and pendulum. The auction description reports the clock is in working order and was recently serviced.

Front view of the French Empire ormolu mantel clock featuring the standing figure and engine-turned dial.
Front view of the French Empire ormolu mantel clock featuring the standing figure and engine-turned dial. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
JN51

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 Dial

The clock is constructed with an ormolu bronze case, which includes the primary housing for the dial and a decorative rectangular base. The case features relief ornament on its front, depicting a figure holding a book, complemented by a torch and palm frond motif to the right of the dial. The base is embellished with relief carvings of two seated figures flanking a central globe. The clock stands on turned ormolu feet.

The dial is composed of enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and an engine-turned centre, which is consistent with the cited style. It is fitted with Empire-style blue steel hands. The clock is designed with open front and back bezels, allowing visibility into the movement housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “ormolu bronze case”
  • “Wonderful clean enamel dial”
  • “Engine turned centre dial”
  • “Empire blue steel hands”
  • “Open front and back bezel”

Movement

The clock is equipped with a French 8-day duration movement capable of striking both the hours and the half-hours on a bell. The mechanism utilizes a silk suspension system for the pendulum.

The movement is fully accessible due to the open-bezel design at both the front and rear of the clock. According to the provided information, the object is currently in working order and has recently undergone a service.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bell striking movement striking the hours and the half hours”
  • “French 8-day duration”
  • “Silk suspension movement”
  • “Working order – recently fully serviced”

Condition and Accessories

The auction description reports that the clock retains its original finish to the case. It is described as being in terrific condition.

The clock is supplied with a winding key and its corresponding pendulum. The total dimensions of the assembly are 32.5cm in height, 24.5cm in width, and 9cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original finish to the case”
  • “Comes with winding key and pendulum”
  • “the clock is in terrific condition and full working order”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or workshop responsible for this piece?
  • Is there an archival record for the model JN51 matching the decorative motifs used?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1830“This clock dates to around 1830”
Duration8-day“French 8-day duration”
SuspensionSilk“Silk suspension movement”
Dimensions32.5cm x 24.5cm x 9cm“Measures 32.5cm high by 24.5cm wide and 9cm depth.”
MaterialsOrmolu bronze“ormolu bronze case”
StrikingBell striking“Bell striking movement striking the hours and the half hours”
SKUJN51“SKU: JN51”

Visible details

  • Case features a standing youth and a torch motif
  • Dial has an engine-turned center and black Roman numerals
  • Movement is exposed via open front and back bezels
  • Base features relief carvings of two seated figures and a central globe

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker is not identified
  • The source provides only an approximate date of 1830

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

Consulted source

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock – Solid Bronze 8-Day Bell Striking Mantle Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4a43435bd2

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records