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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Figural mantel clock

French Louis Philippe figural mantel clock with lady

Partially verified

This French figural mantel clock dates to the Louis Philippe period around 1840. The piece is constructed from fire-gilt and dark patinated bronze, standing on a rectangular plinth with four scrolling bracket feet. The base facade is cast in relief with rocailles and acanthus foliage. Above sits a dark patinated bronze rocky formation into which the circular clock movement is integrated. The gilt bronze dial features black Roman numerals and dual winding apertures. Surmounting the case is a fully sculpted fire-gilt bronze female figure in period dress with a hat, holding a small scepter, beside a hanging basket motif. The reverse houses a round French movement with silk thread suspension striking on a bell every half hour.

French Louis Philippe figural mantel clock in fire-gilt and patinated bronze, circa 1840.
French Louis Philippe figural mantel clock in fire-gilt and patinated bronze, circa 1840. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Figural mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
680
Source-reported date
circa 1840
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

Physical Composition and Design

The clock is constructed as a figural mantel piece, featuring a rectangular base of fire-gilt bronze raised on four curved scroll feet. The plinth facade is decorated with relief rocaille and acanthus foliage. Surmounting this is a naturalistically modeled rock formation finished in dark patinated bronze, which serves as the housing for the clock movement.

The sculptural element consists of a fully sculpted, fire-gilt bronze female figure in period attire, accented by a pearl necklace and a small scepter. A basket is attached to the side of the rocky mound, contributing to the bucolic depiction.

Evidence for this section
  • “The rectangular, fire-gilt bronze plinth rests on four elegantly curved scroll feet, its facade adorned with a lavish relief decoration of rocaille and acanthus foliage.”
  • “Upon this base rises a naturalistically designed rock formation in dark patinated bronze, into which the round clockwork is seamlessly integrated.”
  • “The scene is crowned by the fully sculpted and likewise fire-gilt figure of a seated lady in detailed attire, wearing a pearl necklace and holding a small scepter. A basket hanging on the side of the rock completes the bucolic depiction.”

Dial and Timekeeping Mechanism

The clock face is comprised of a gilt bronze dial featuring black Roman numerals and delicate hands. The circular movement is integrated into the dark patinated bronze rock formation. It utilizes a French-style silk thread suspension system.

The movement includes a half-hour striking mechanism on a bell. The source notes the movement was observed to be running, and the assembly is visible on the reverse.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gilt bronze dial displays black Roman numerals and is graced by delicate hands.”
  • “The French round movement with silk thread suspension and bell strike is visible on the reverse, 1/2-hour strike on a bell”
  • “The movement is running.”

Historical Attribution and Condition

The mantel clock is attributed to the French Louis Philippe period, circa 1840. This classification is noted as a typical work for the era, during which rural and allegorical figural scenes were popular in bourgeois salons.

Source-provided dimensions are 40 x 29 x 20 cm. Regarding condition, it is noted that the fire-gilding is partially minimally rubbed and the clock is sold as an aged object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The mantel clock is a typical work from the era of the French King Louis Philippe, around 1840.”
  • “40 x 29 x 20 cm (HxWxD)”
  • “the fire-gilding is partially minimally rubbed.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker or workshop signatures present on the base or movement backplate?
  • Does the lack of a rear movement cover reflect the original construction or is it a missing component?
  • What is the condition of the silk thread suspension mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Louis Philippe figural mantel clock with lady
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialsFire-gilt and dark patinated bronze“Bronze, fire-gilt and with a dark patina.”
Dimensions40 x 29 x 20 cm (HxWxD)“40 x 29 x 20 cm (HxWxD)”
PeriodLouis Philippe era, circa 1840“era of the French King Louis Philippe, around 1840”
SuspensionSilk thread suspension“French round movement with silk thread suspension”
Striking mechanismHalf-hour strike on bell“1/2-hour strike on a bell”
Included AccessoriesWinding key“key is present”

Visible details

  • Fire-gilt bronze sculpted figure of a seated woman in period dress and hat holding a small scepter
  • Dark patinated bronze rocky outcrop housing the round clock dial and movement, accented with a gilt basket and foliate motif
  • Gilt bronze dial displaying Roman numerals with two winding apertures below the arbor
  • Rectangular fire-gilt plinth cast with relief scrolling acanthus and rocaille decoration on four scroll feet

Research qualifications

  • No specific maker, foundry, or movement signature is recorded in the auction catalog
  • Catalog notes minor rubbing to the fire-gilding consistent with age

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Magnificent French Mantel Clock with Lady, Gilt Bronze, Louis Philippe

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f70635a08e

Terms in this record

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

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