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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Four glass mantel clock

French Four-Glass Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French four-glass mantel clock, dated to approximately 1890, is constructed with an ormolu case and four bevelled glass panels. The enamel dial features black Arabic numerals and a hand-painted depiction of the 'Father of Time'. It incorporates a swinging pendulum, described as an 'Ellicott' style design, which features two polished brass side rods flanking a central steel rod, with floral engraving on the pendulum bob. The clock strikes on the hour and half-hour. The movement is suspended by a silk thread. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 27 cm in height, 17 cm in width, and 14 cm in depth.

Front view of the French four-glass mantel clock showing the hand-painted dial, brass case, and Ellicott-style pendulum.
Front view of the French four-glass mantel clock showing the hand-painted dial, brass case, and Ellicott-style pendulum. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Four glass mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
JN62
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890
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 Dial

The clock features an ormolu case designed in the four-glass style, also known as a French crystal regulator. The structure comprises a metal frame holding four clear glass panels at the front, back, and sides, intended to provide visibility of the internal mechanics and the swinging pendulum.

The white enamel dial is embellished with a hand-painted scene featuring the figure of Father of Time. It displays black Arabic numerals for the hours. The clock retains its original hands and is front-winding through the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ormolu case”
  • “4 bevelled glass panels”
  • “Enamel white dial”
  • “Hand painted with father of time”
  • “Black Arabic numerals”

Movement and Pendulum

The timepiece utilizes a movement suspended on a silk thread. It is equipped with an Ellicott-style pendulum, characterized by its construction of two polished brass side rods framing a central steel rod. The circular pendulum bob is decorated with floral engravings.

The mechanism is configured to strike the hours and half-hours on a bell. The auction description reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently in working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “Visible Swinging Ellicott Pendulum”
  • “Bell Striking on the half hour and hour”
  • “Working order – recently fully serviced by me”
  • “On silk suspension”

Historical Context

This style of mantel clock was popularized in France during the late 19th century, specifically between 1870 and 1910.

The description notes that 19th-century French makers frequently employed this specific pendulum design, which the source refers to as the 'French Ellicott' aesthetic.

Evidence for this section
  • “Popularized in France during the late 19th century (circa 1870–1910)”
  • “In the 1800s, French makers of high-end “four-glass” mantel clocks loved the visual look of the Ellicott design.”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the movement manufacturer?
  • Does the movement contain any hidden maker's marks or stamps?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Four-Glass Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
SKUJN62“SKU: JN62”
Dimensions27cm high, 17cm wide, 14cm depth“Measures 27cm high by 17cm wide and 14cm depth.”
Datingcirca 1890“This clock dates to around 1890”
Striking mechanismBell striking on half hour and hour“Bell Striking on the half hour and hour”
Dial decorationFather of Time“Hand painted with father of time”
Case materialsOrmolu, four bevelled glass panels“Ormolu case 4 bevelled glass panels”

Visible details

  • Hand-painted Father of Time scene on dial
  • Ellicott-style pendulum with floral engraving
  • Silk suspension visible
  • Four-glass panel construction

Research qualifications

  • Originality of the silk suspension is not explicitly stated
  • Attribution to a specific maker is not provided

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

Consulted source

Interesting and Rare French Mantel Clock – 4 Glass Table clock with Elliott Pendulum and painted Father of Time Dial.

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 82d1ac0225

Terms in this record

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

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