Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Drumhead mantel clock

French Gilt Bronze Drumhead Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This late 19th-century French mantel clock features a circular drumhead-style case constructed from gilt bronze. The clock sits on an architectural base adorned with cast scrollwork, floral pendants, and acanthus leaves, supported by bun feet. Centrally mounted on the lower section is an oval Sèvres-style plaque decorated with a purple pheasant in a natural landscape. The white dial features Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and spade-style gilt metal hands. According to the source, the dial is a replacement. The cylindrical case body displays raised grooves and a leaf-molded bezel. The movement offers an eight-day duration with hour and half-hour striking on a bell. The back plate of the mechanism bears an oval JBD stamp. The clock includes a pendulum and winding key and is reported by the source as having been fully serviced and overhauled to functional condition.

Front view of the gilt bronze drumhead mantel clock.
Front view of the gilt bronze drumhead mantel clock. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Drumhead mantel clock
Maker / attribution
JBD
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1875
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 Aesthetic Design

It is composed of gilt bronze and incorporates detailed cast metalwork. The architectural base is embellished with scrolling motifs, floral swags, and acanthus leaf detailing. A prominent visual feature is the central oval plaque, described as being in the Sèvres style, which depicts a purple pheasant within a pastoral scene.

The upper portion of the case is cylindrical with ribbed sides and a decorative leaf-molded bezel surrounding the dial. The assembly is raised on rounded bun feet, providing a stable foundation for the ornate upper structure.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساختار مدور موسوم به «درام‌هد» (Drumhead) از جنس برنز طلاکوب (Gilt bronze) طراحی شده”
  • “بدنه ساعت بر روی یک پایه معماری با تزیینات ریخته‌گری به سبک طوماری (اسکرول)، آویزهای گل‌دار و برگ‌های آکانتوس قرار گرفته است.”
  • “در مرکز بخش پایینی، یک پلاک بیضی‌شکل به سبک سِور (Sèvres style) با نقش نقاشی‌شده قرقاول ارغوانی در منظره طبیعی تعبیه شده”

Movement and Functionality

The clock is powered by a mechanical movement with an eight-day power reserve. It provides a striking function, signaling both hours and half-hours using a bell. The mechanism is adjusted via a Brocot escapement, a feature intended for precision time regulation.

The back plate of the movement carries an oval stamp marked JBD. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a complete service and overhaul, confirming its functional state. Access to the movement is provided via a perforated metal door at the rear of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای ذخیره کوک ۸ روزه است که ساعات و نیم‌ساعات را با زنگ کاسه‌ای اعلام می‌دارد.”
  • “صفحه پشتی موتور ممهور به نشان مهر بیضی‌شکل JBD است.”
  • “تنظیم‌کننده بروکوت (Brocot)”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to France and dated to circa 1875. The auction description reports that the gilding on the body remains in good condition, showing only minor wear without evidence of improper polishing. The Sèvres-style decorative plaque is noted to be in excellent condition.

It is explicitly stated by the source that the white dial with Roman numerals is a replacement component. The clock is supplied with its pendulum and winding key, though the source advises collectors to inspect the status of these internal components upon acquisition.

Evidence for this section
  • “طبق اطلاعات منبع به اواخر قرن نوزدهم (حدود ۱۸۷۵ میلادی) تعلق دارد.”
  • “طبق اعلام فروشنده، صفحه این ساعت تعویضی است.”
  • “طلاکاری بدنه در وضعیت بسیار خوب با سایش اندک و بدون نشانه‌ای از پرداخت نامناسب بوده و پلاک نقاشی‌شده در وضعیت عالی به سر می‌برد.”

Open research questions

  • What is the full identity or workshop associated with the 'JBD' stamp?
  • Can the specific Sèvres-style porcelain factory be verified for this plaque?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Gilt Bronze Drumhead Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Mechanismeight-day duration“موتور ساعت دارای ذخیره کوک ۸ روزه است”
SignatureJBD“صفحه پشتی موتور ممهور به نشان مهر بیضی‌شکل JBD است.”
Dialreplacement“طبق اعلام فروشنده، صفحه این ساعت تعویضی است.”
Dimensions26cm x 26cm x 12cm“ارتفاع ۲۶ سانتی‌متر، عرض ۲۶ سانتی‌متر و عمق ۱۲ سانتی‌متر است.”

Visible details

  • Spade-style gilt metal hands
  • Oval Sèvres-style plaque with pheasant painting
  • Cast acanthus leaf and scroll decorative elements
  • Cylindrical ribbed case body

Research qualifications

  • The dial is reported as a replacement
  • Authenticity of individual components including the pendulum and key should be verified

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

Consulted source

A Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Drumhead Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9c5f34c790

Terms in this record

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