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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This late 19th-century French gilt bronze mantel clock measures 23 1/2 inches in height. It features an ornate rococo-style case heavily decorated with floral garlands, openwork foliate scrolls, and a central pair of young children standing below the dial drum. The segmented enameled dial is signed Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles, featuring blue Roman numeral cartouches, pierced black hands, and two winding arbors. The movement is stamped by Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris. Formerly in the Collection of Irina Bletnitsky, the clock is accompanied by a key and pendulum.

Front view of the French gilt bronze mantel clock with figural putti group
Front view of the French gilt bronze mantel clock with figural putti group — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles (dial) / Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris (movement)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
54
Source-reported date
Late 19th Century
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 Decorative Elements

This late 19th-century mantel clock features a cast gilt bronze case executed in a rococo style. The form is embellished with floral garlands, openwork foliate scrolls, and a base featuring pierced scrollwork with shell motifs and scrolled feet. The top is surmounted by a floral cluster.

A central figural group is positioned below the dial drum, depicting two children, one of whom holds a flute or pipe. The clock measures 23 1/2 inches in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “Late 19th Century”
  • “Cast gilt bronze rococo case surmounted by a floral cluster.”
  • “Central figural group depicts two children, one holding a flute/pipe, standing below the dial drum.”
  • “Height 23 1/2 inches.”

Dial and Mechanism

The segmented dial is composed of individual white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals surrounding an engraved gilt center. It features pierced black hands and winding apertures between the IV–V and VII–VIII positions. The dial is signed 'Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles'.

The movement is stamped 'Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris'. According to the source, the clock winds, runs, and strikes, though it has not been tested for duration or accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “the segmented enameled dial signed Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles”
  • “the movement stamped Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris”
  • “Clock winds, runs and strikes, but has not been tested for duration or accuracy.”

Condition and Provenance

The clock is accompanied by a key and a pendulum. Regarding its condition, the source reports a bright gold patina with normal wear and dust. The rear glass case cover is noted as detached but present.

The clock is listed as property from the collection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois.

Evidence for this section
  • “With key and pendulum.”
  • “Glass cover from back of case is detached but present.”
  • “bright gold patina with normal wear and dust.”
  • “Property from the Collection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship between the retailer 'Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles' and the movement manufacturer 'Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris'?
  • Does the detachment of the rear glass cover indicate a lack of structural integrity in the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignatureBayard Thiabaud à Versailles“the segmented enameled dial signed Bayard Thiabaud à Versailles”
Movement StampÉtabt. Bazelaire de Paris“the movement stamped Étabt. Bazelaire de Paris”
Height23 1/2 inches“Height 23 1/2 inches.”
DateLate 19th Century“Late 19th Century”
ProvenanceCollection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois“Property from the Collection of Irina Bletnitsky, Chicago, Illinois”
Included AccessoriesKey and pendulum“With key and pendulum.”

Visible details

  • Cast gilt bronze rococo case surmounted by a floral cluster.
  • Central figural group depicts two children, one holding a flute/pipe, standing below the dial drum.
  • Segmented dial composed of individual white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals surrounding an engraved gilt center.
  • Winding apertures located between IV–V and VII–VIII.
  • Pierced scrollwork base with shell motifs and scrolled feet.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and pendulum are not depicted in the image.
  • Source notes the rear glass case cover is detached but present.

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

Consulted source

A French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 51454d655a

Terms in this record

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

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