Clock · Mantel clock

French Figural Mantel Clock with Conical Pendulum

Partially verified

This French late 19th-century mantel clock, reported by the auctioneer as retailed for M.S. Smith & Co. of Detroit, is housed in a break-front alabaster case with gilt scroll feet and metal appliqués. The case is surmounted by a standing gilt spelter female figure representing industry and commerce, holding a locomotive and supporting a conical pendulum with a spherical bob. The alabaster dial features Roman numerals and two winding squares, driven according to the source by an eight-day, two-train movement striking on a bell.

Frontal view of the French alabaster figural mantel clock with conical pendulum — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Clock · Mantel clock
Form: Figural mantel clock
Maker / attribution: M.S. Smith & Co., Detroit (retailer)
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 378
Source-reported date: circa 1880
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 Composition and Decorative Elements

The clock is housed in a break-front alabaster case set upon scroll feet and a molded base. The sides of the case feature stylized scroll, anthemion, and palmette mounts, while the front incorporates a cruciform mount.

The case is surmounted by a standing gilt spelter female figure representing industry and commerce. The figure is depicted with a locomotive in her right hand and a globe at her feet.

Evidence for this section

“the break front alabaster case on scroll feet and molded base”
“case sides with stylized scroll, anthemion, and palmette mounts, the front with cruciform mount echoing those at the sides”
“surmounted by a standing, gilt spelter female figure representing industry and commerce, with globe at her feet and a locomotive in her right hand”

Dial and Conical Pendulum

The timepiece features an alabaster dial with Roman numerals and gilt spade hands.

A conical pendulum is suspended from the figure's raised left hand. The pendulum includes a nickel-plated, spherical bob decorated with two gilt stars.

Evidence for this section

“roman numeral alabaster dial with gilt spade hands”
“her left held aloft and supporting the conical pendulum with nickel plated, spherical bob with two gilt stars”

Mechanism and Condition

The clock is driven by an eight-day, two-train movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell.

Reported condition issues include dirt on the movement, dial, and hands; minor roughness and loss to the alabaster; loose feet; a missing top mount; repaired breaks on the figure's plinth; losses to the bob's nickel plating; a rubbing pendulum driver; and an incorrect replacement rating nut.

Evidence for this section

“driven by an 8 day, two train movement striking the hours and half hour on a bell”
“rating nut an incorrect replacement, movement dirty, functional, driver for pendulum rubbing, needs service and adjustment”
“alabaster with minor roughness at corners and edges, stone with loss at rear right, feet a bit loose, all mounts dirty and with darkened surfaces, top of right side mount missing, plinth for figure with repaired breaks”

Open research questions

What is the specific manufacturer of the movement associated with the M.S. Smith & Co. retail attribution?
Does the current documentation confirm the historical or design significance of the locomotive held by the figure?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Figural Mantel Clock with Conical Pendulum
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Retailer	M.S. Smith & Co., Detroit	“for M.S. Smith & Co., Detroit”
Case Material	Break-front alabaster on scroll feet	“the break front alabaster case on scroll feet and molded base”
Surmounting Figure	Gilt spelter female figure representing industry and commerce	“surmounted by a standing, gilt spelter female figure representing industry and commerce”
Pendulum	Conical pendulum with nickel-plated spherical bob	“supporting the conical pendulum with nickel plated, spherical bob with two gilt stars”
Movement	8-day, two-train movement striking on a bell	“driven by an 8 day, two train movement striking the hours and half hour on a bell”
Dimensions	24.5in x 13.25in x 7in	“Dimensions: 24.5in x 13.25in x 7in”
Retailer Attribution	M.S. Smith & Co., Detroit	“for M.S. Smith & Co., Detroit”

Visible details

Light-colored break-front alabaster case resting on gilt cast scroll feet.
Central white dial with black Roman numerals, two winding apertures, and dark spade hands.
Standing classical female figure in gilt spelter holding a locomotive model in her right hand.
Long pendulum rod suspended from the figure's raised left hand terminating in a spherical metal bob positioned in front of the figure and above the dial.

Research qualifications

Movement and striking bell are concealed within the case and not directly visible in the catalog image.
Source notes the rating nut is an incorrect replacement and the driver for the pendulum rubs, requiring service.

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