Clock · Mantel clock

French Louis XV style patinated bronze mantel clock 'Pendule à l'éléphant'

Partially verified

This late 19th-century French mantel clock features an eight-day circular brass movement made by Richard et Cie, Paris and London, housed within a patinated bronze Louis XV style case. The case design draws on mid-18th-century models by bronziers such as Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain or Jacques Caffieri, depicting an elephant with trunk raised carrying a drum clock surmounted by an oriental figure holding a parasol. The dial consists of twenty-five enamel cartouche segments displaying blue Roman numerals and black five-minute Arabic markers, accompanied by pierced blued steel hands.

Full front view of the patinated bronze elephant mantel clock with cartouche dial and parasol surmount — Dreweatts. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auctions.dreweatts.com
Category: Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution: Richard et Cie
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 677
Source-reported date: late 19th Century
Source-reported place: France
Source-reported serial: 621

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 Design and Construction

The clock is housed in a patinated dark bronze case designed in the Louis XV style, featuring a stylized elephant with its trunk raised. The elephant serves as a support for the clock movement, which is contained within a drum housing atop a rococo scroll cradle. The case is surmounted by a figure in stylized oriental dress holding a parasol, with draped foliage to the sides and a base incorporating rocaille scrollwork and flowerheads.

The design of the clock is based on mid-18th-century models by bronziers Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain and Jacques Caffieri. The bronze surface features reddish chocolate brown and darker tones, with noted rubbing to the patination at the figure's neck and a larger dulled-down area of scrollwork behind the elephant.

Evidence for this section

“case modelled in the manner of Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain or Jacques Caffieri”
“support modelled as a stylised elephant with its trunk aloft fitted with rococo scroll cradle”
“small area of rubbing/wear to the patination to the neck of the figure and a larger area within the scrollwork behind the elephant (now dulled-down)”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock features a 4.5-inch circular dial composed of twenty-five individual white enamel cartouche segments. The chapter ring displays blue Roman numerals, while the outer track features black Arabic five-minute markers. The clock includes pierced blued steel hands set behind a hinged ogee moulded convex bevel-glazed cast oxidised bezel.

Condition reports note that the dial is in fine condition. Specific observations include a pin-prick firing fault on the 'VI' numeral, minor edge wear or chipping on the '15' and '30' minute markers, a small scratch to the blue on the 'VII' numeral, and a loose '35' panel.

Evidence for this section

“4.5 inch circular twenty-five piece white enamel cartouche numeral dial”
“pierced blued steel hands set behind a hinged ogee moulded convex bevel-glazed cast oxidised bezel”
“15' and '30' minute markers have some miniscule edge wear/chipping, the 'VI' numeral has a pin-prick firing fault”

Mechanism and Origin

The clock is powered by an eight-day, two-train bell-striking movement with an anchor escapement and Brocot-type regulation. The movement backplate is stamped 'R&C, PARIS & LONDON' with the serial number 621. An additional number, '5 8', is present on the lower edge.

The movement is described as appearing complete with no visible alterations. It is reported to be running and striking, though a precautionary clean or service is suggested by the source. The clock includes its original numbered pendulum and a winding key.

Evidence for this section

“circular eight-day two train bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation”
“the backplate stamped R&C, PARIS & LONDON over serial number 621 to upper left, and further number 5 8 to lower edge”
“Movement appears complete with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements.”

Open research questions

What is the function of the secondary number '5 8' stamped on the lower edge of the backplate?
Does the provenance of the Dr. John A. Robey Collection provide specific acquisition context for this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Louis XV style patinated bronze mantel clock 'Pendule à l'éléphant'
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Richard et Cie	“THE MOVEMENT BY RICHARD ET CIE, PARIS, LATE 19th CENTURY”
Movement stamp and serial	R&C, PARIS & LONDON, serial 621	“the backplate stamped R&C, PARIS & LONDON over serial number 621 to upper left”
Escapement and striking	Eight-day two train bell striking movement with anchor escapement	“The circular eight-day two train bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum”
Dimensions	41cm high, 35cm wide, 18cm deep	“41cm (16.25ins) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep.”
Dial construction	Twenty-five piece white enamel cartouche dial	“the 4.5 inch circular twenty-five piece white enamel cartouche numeral dial with convex centre within chapter ring composed of blue-in-white enamel Roman numeral cartouche panels”
Maker History	Richard et Cie (Paris and London)	“Richard and Company are recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development as founded in Paris in 1848 and setting-up a London retail outlet in 1857.”

Visible details

Patinated dark bronze elephant standing on an openwork rocaille scroll base with raised trunk
Surmounting bronze figure wearing stylized oriental garments and holding a parasol above the circular clock case
Twenty-five piece white enamel cartouche dial with blue Roman numerals and outer black Arabic five-minute markers

Research qualifications

Source notes small wear to patination at figure's neck and dulled-down scrollwork behind the elephant
Reported minor chips/wear on 15 and 30 minute markers and a pin-prick fault on the VI numeral

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