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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This early 19th-century French Louis XV-style mantel clock is housed in a gilt bronze case measuring 21 1/4 by 20 by 5 3/4 inches. The dial drum is surmounted by two winged cherubs, one resting beside it and the other holding an artist's palette, set over an ornate rocaille base decorated with scrollwork and fruit garlands. The auction cataloguer identifies the movement as an eight-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension, marked 'L. Moinet, A Paris' and 'Douillon'.

Front view of French Louis XV-style gilt bronze mantel clock
Front view of French Louis XV-style gilt bronze mantel clock — Fontaine's Auction Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Louis Moinet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
50
Source-reported date
early 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 Composition and Decorative Scheme

The gilt bronze mantel clock measures 21 1/4 by 20 by 5 3/4 inches and is cataloged in the Louis XV style. As observed, two sculpted winged cherubs flank the circular central dial drum, with one holding an artist's palette, set over ornate scrollwork and fruit garlands.

Observation of the waisted base shows rococo scrollwork, fruit garlands, and a central cartouche displaying scientific and musical emblems positioned beneath a winged cherub head.

Evidence for this section
  • “surmounted by two cherubs above scrollwork and fruit garland”
  • “21 1/4 x 20 x 5 3/4 inches”
  • “Two sculpted winged cherubs flank the central circular clock drum, one holding an artist's palette.”
  • “The waisted base displays elaborate rococo scrollwork, fruit garlands, and a central cartouche with scientific and musical emblems beneath a winged cherub head.”

Dial and Reported Movement

Visual observation shows that the dial features individual Roman numeral cartouches mounted against a pierced and engraved gilt background.

The auction cataloguer describes the movement as a 'French ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension,' marked 'L. Moinet, A Paris' and 'Douillon.' The piece is dated in the description to the early 19th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial features individual Roman numeral cartouches mounted against a pierced and engraved gilt background.”
  • “French ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension”
  • “movement marked "L. Moinet, A Paris" and "Douillon"”
  • “early 19th century”

Condition and Incomplete Elements

The cataloguer's condition report notes that the case exhibits spots of wear and the dial numerals are worn. It also states that one cherub is missing a pen, and the clock is missing its pendulum and back door.

Regarding mechanical function, the seller's condition notes state that the strike was functional; broader running condition or complete servicing is not reported.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case with spots of wear, dial numerals worn, cherub missing pen, missing pendulum and back door, strike functional.”

Open research questions

  • What specific role does the 'Douillon' stamping represent (e.g., ébauche supplier, movement maker, or bronze founder) in relationship to Louis Moinet?
  • Are there any secondary serial numbers, workshop stamps, or caliber marks recorded inside the case or on the movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dateearly 19th century“early 19th century”
Movement InscriptionL. Moinet, A Paris“movement marked "L. Moinet, A Paris"”
Secondary MarkDouillon“"Douillon"”
Movement DetailsFrench ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension“French ebache 8-day brass time and strike movement with silk thread suspension”
Dimensions21 1/4 x 20 x 5 3/4 inches“21 1/4 x 20 x 5 3/4 inches”
Auction Estimate$2,000 - $3,000 USD“Est: $2,000 USD - $3,000 USD”
Auction Sale DateOctober 22, 2022“October 22, 2022, 11:00 AM EST”

Visible details

  • Two sculpted winged cherubs flank the central circular clock drum, one holding an artist's palette.
  • The dial features individual Roman numeral cartouches mounted against a pierced and engraved gilt background.
  • The waisted base displays elaborate rococo scrollwork, fruit garlands, and a central cartouche with scientific and musical emblems beneath a winged cherub head.

Research qualifications

  • The auction condition report states the clock is missing its pendulum, back door, and a pen originally held by one cherub.
  • The report notes spots of wear on the case and worn dial numerals, while confirming the strike train was functional.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: French Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, Louis Moinet, Paris

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 49abac88b1

Terms in this record

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

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