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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French gilt-metal mantel clock

Partially verified

The design features an architectural form characterized by grooved pillars topped with Corinthian-style capitals and a central dome surmounted by a central finial, with four smaller finials positioned at the corners. The clock face is metallic, featuring Arabic numerals and decorative central patterns, protected by a hinged door with convex glass. It includes two winding arbors. The rear of the clock is accessed via a hinged circular door with decorative open-work grating. Internal mechanisms include a spring-driven movement and a gong sound component. The source reports the object is in good working order and composed of original parts, noting natural signs of aging on the case and dial. There is a stated discrepancy regarding materials in the provided vendor text.

Frontal view of the French mantel clock showing the architectural dome, grooved columns, and brass-tone metallic finish.
Frontal view of the French mantel clock showing the architectural dome, grooved columns, and brass-tone metallic finish. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1850
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 Construction

The clock features a metal construction finished with a brass-toned appearance. Its architectural style is defined by grooved columns topped with Corinthian-style capitals. The upper section is composed of a dome structure featuring a central finial, accompanied by four smaller finials positioned at the four corners of the top plate.

The rear of the case is accessible through a circular hinged door, which is fitted with a decorative, perforated metal grill. The front dial is protected by a hinged bezel containing convex glass, which opens to reveal the metallic dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از جنس فلز با جلای برنجی/برنزی طلایی ساخته شده”
  • “در بخش جلویی، دو ستون شیاردار با سرستون‌های به سبک کرینتی تعبیه شده”
  • “بخش پشتی ساعت مجهز به یک درب مدور لولایی با شبکه تزیینی مشبک است”

Dial and Mechanical Components

The clock face is constructed of metal, featuring Arabic numerals set within an outer ring and a central decorative design. The dial is equipped with two winding arbors, allowing for the operation of the timekeeping and striking functions.

Upon opening the rear circular door, the internal mechanical movement is accessible. The clock utilizes a spring-driven mechanism and includes a gong to signal time. According to the auction description, the movement is identified as part of the clock's original composition and is currently in functional condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت فلزی بوده و دارای حلقه‌های محیطی با اعداد عربی و نقش‌مایه‌های تزیینی در مرکز است”
  • “روی صفحه دو روزنه برای کلید کوک تعبیه شده”
  • “با باز کردن این درپوش، نمایی از موتور مکانیکی ساعت به همراه زنگ فنری (gong) برای اعلام زمان مشاهده می‌شود”

Vendor Attribution and Discrepancies

The source material attributes the object to the Victorian period, originating from France around 1850. While the auction description reports that the clock is entirely original and in good working order, the source provides a specific disclaimer regarding the veracity of the vendor's descriptive text.

There is a noted contradiction between the vendor's text—which references 'Boulle' marquetry—and the physical appearance of the object, which is clearly constructed of metal without the described veneers. Collectors are advised to inspect the clock for maker's marks on the movement to reconcile these descriptive discrepancies.

Evidence for this section
  • “متعلق به دوره ویکتوریایی و ساخت فرانسه در حدود سال ۱۸۵۰ میلادی”
  • “ساعت کاملاً اصیل (all original) بوده و وضعیت عملکردی آن در نظم کاری مناسب (in good working order) گزارش شده است”
  • “به دلیل وجود تناقض آشکار میان متن معرفی فروشنده (که به روکش چوب و برنج سبک بول اشاره کرده) و تصاویر عینی این ساعت تمام‌فلزی”

Open research questions

  • What manufacturer marks, if any, exist on the movement plates to confirm the French origin?
  • Does the movement contain any serial numbers that would correlate to a specific ca. 1850 production batch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French gilt-metal mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
TypeMantel clock“ساعت رومیزی (Mantel Clock)”
Datecirca 1850“حدود ۱۸۵۰”
OriginFrance“فرانسه (طبق منبع)”
MaterialMetal with brass-tone finish“بدنه ساعت از جنس فلز با جلای برنجی/برنزی طلایی ساخته شده”
MovementMechanical with gong“موتور مکانیکی ساعت به همراه زنگ فنری (gong)”
ConditionIn good working order“در نظم کاری مناسب (in good working order)”
Dial detailsArabic numerals“حلقه‌های محیطی با اعداد عربی”

Visible details

  • Case constructed with metal and brass-tone finish
  • Features four corner finials and one central finial on a dome
  • Dial contains Arabic numerals and two winding holes
  • Rear panel features circular hinged door with perforated metal grill

Research qualifications

  • Source text claims 'Boulle' material despite visual evidence of all-metal construction
  • Actual internal mechanical markings remain unverified by photos

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

Consulted source

Impressive Victorian French Boulle Mantle Clock – ca1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 86ef5d3e3a

Terms in this record

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

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