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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Empire style small ormolu mantel clock

Partially verified

This unsigned French Empire style mantel clock, attributed by the auction house to Paris from the early nineteenth century and later, features a cast ormolu arched case measuring 21 cm in height. The case is decorated with cast draped fringed fabric over the top, framed festoon curtains, and a faux run of leather-bound books beneath the dial. The 3.25-inch circular white enamel dial features Roman numerals and steel moon hands, enclosed within an anthemion-milled surround and ropetwist bezel. Below, a skirt base embellished with leaf mouldings and a central rose wreath mount is supported by turned feet. The source notes a circular eight-day movement with Brocot regulation, anchor escapement, and bell strike, lacking its pendulum.

Front three-quarter view of the French Empire style small ormolu mantel clock
Front three-quarter view of the French Empire style small ormolu mantel clock — Dreweatts 1759. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
688
Source-reported date
Early 19th century and later
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 is housed in a cast ormolu arched case measuring 21 cm (8.25 inches) in height and 14.5 cm (5.75 inches) in width. The decorative elements include a mount cast as fringed fabric draped over the top of the case.

A secondary decorative motif consists of a faux run of leather-bound books, which is framed by tied festoon curtains positioned beneath the dial. The clock stands on a skirt base featuring repeating leaf-cast mouldings and a central mount depicting a rose wreath and floral fronds, supported by turned feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “arched case with mount cast as fringed fabric draped over the top”
  • “cast a run of leather-bound books framed by conforming tied festoon curtains beneath the dial”
  • “21cm (8.25ins) high, 14.5cm (5.75ins) wide.”
  • “skirt base with repeating leaf cast upper mouldings and rose wreath centred floral frond cast mount to front, over turned feet”

Dial and Bezel Configuration

The time is displayed on a 3.25-inch circular white enamel dial featuring Roman numerals and pierced steel moon hands. The dial is enclosed within a surround milled with repeating anthemion motifs.

The dial is fronted by a hinged, convex-glazed bezel finished with ropetwist decoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “3.25 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with steel moon hands”
  • “set within repeating anthemion milled surround”
  • “hinged convex-glazed ropetwist decorated bezel”

Movement and Status

The clock contains a circular eight-day, countwheel bell-striking movement featuring an anchor escapement and Brocot-type regulation. The auction record explicitly describes the movement as a later addition to the case.

The clock is reported as lacking its pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Now with circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement”
  • “incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension”
  • “(lacking pendulum)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material composition of the 'turned feet' and are they confirmed as original?
  • Does the rear hinged glazed cover provide evidence of a maker's mark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Empire style small ormolu mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionUnsigned, probably Paris“UNSIGNED, PROBABLY PARIS, EARLY 19th CENTURY AND LATER”
Movement descriptionCircular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement“circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement”
Suspension regulationBrocot type regulation to suspension“incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension”
Dial dimensions3.25 inch circular white enamel dial“with a 3.25 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial”
Overall dimensions21cm high, 14.5cm wide“21cm (8.25ins) high, 14.5cm (5.75ins) wide.”
Condition noteLacking pendulum“(lacking pendulum)”

Visible details

  • Arched gilded case draped with cast fringed fabric over the summit
  • Faux run of book spines framed by swagged drapery set beneath the dial
  • White enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals, pierced steel moon hands, two winding squares, and a regulation arbor above XII
  • Anthemion and ropetwist milled bezel surrounding the convex dial glass
  • Rectangular skirted base with floral and rose wreath relief resting on four dark turned feet

Research qualifications

  • The auctioneer notes 'Now with', suggesting the movement is a later replacement.
  • Catalog explicitly records the clock as lacking its pendulum.
  • Internal movement and rear glazed cover are not visible in the primary image.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: A FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE SMALL ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 128672aa71

Terms in this record

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

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