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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French mantel clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock is constructed from solid bronze with an ormolu finish, dated by the source to circa 1860. The clock features a central dial flanked by two cherub figures, with a cameo bust mounted below the dial. The case is surmounted by a floral finial. The internal mechanism is a French eight-day movement designed for bell striking. The clock includes steel hands, a pendulum, and a key. The piece measures 43 centimeters in height, 29 centimeters in width, and 14 centimeters in depth. The seller states that the movement has been serviced and is in working order, and describes the finish of the case as original. The clock is listed as an eight-day French timepiece featuring a bell strike function.

Front view of the French mantel clock showing the ormolu case, cherub figures, cameo bust, and dial.
Front view of the French mantel clock showing the ormolu case, cherub figures, cameo bust, and dial. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
JN127
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1860
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 Design and Construction

The clock is housed in a solid bronze case finished in ormolu. The upper portion of the case is topped by a decorative floral finial. The main body displays two winged cherub figures positioned symmetrically on either side of the dial. Below the dial, a distinct cameo bust is integrated into the central section of the case, contributing to its decorative composition.

The base of the clock is supported by feet and features a central mask ornament within a scrolled motif. The case construction incorporates floral and architectural elements, and the seller reports that the clock retains its original finish. Dimensions provided for the object are 43 centimeters high, 29 centimeters wide, and 14 centimeters deep.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original bronze ormolu case”
  • “The case has superb detail to the ormolu floral finial top.”
  • “Musical cherubs beneath the dial”
  • “Cameo bust decoration”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is characterized by a central area featuring intricate, engraved decorative patterns. The hour indicators consist of individual white segments with blue Roman numerals, arranged in a circular formation around the center. The clock is equipped with steel hands.

The movement is identified as an eight-day, bell-striking French mechanism. The seller reports that the movement has been serviced and is currently in working order. The clock includes the necessary pendulum and a winding key required for operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “French 8-day bell striking movement”
  • “Wonderful steel hands”
  • “Movement has just been serviced”
  • “Comes with key and pendulum”

Condition

The auction description reports that the clock is in very good condition for its age. The listing notes that the item displays slight signs of age consistent with its period of origin.

Prospective owners are encouraged to examine the provided photographs to assess the condition of the bronze ormolu surface and the overall state of the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very good condition for age, showing slight signs”
  • “please view the many photos make sure happy.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or maker of this French movement?
  • Does the cameo bust represent a historical or mythological figure?
  • To which specific style or movement in decorative arts does this clock case belong?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker/OriginFrench“French”
Mechanism8-day bell striking“8-day bell striking movement”
MaterialSolid bronze with ormolu“Solid Bronze Ormolu French Victorian 8-day mantel Clock”
Dimensions43 x 29 x 14 cm“43cm high by 29cm wide & 14cm deep”
SKU/ReferenceJN127“SKU: JN127”
Datecirca 1860“CA 1860”

Visible details

  • Case features ormolu floral finial and cherub figures
  • Dial includes individual blue Roman numeral hour markers on white segments
  • Central cameo portrait bust on the lower case
  • Decorative mask detail centered on the base

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of 1860 is an estimate provided by the source
  • The source describes the case finish as original, but this is an unverified claim

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

Consulted source

Solid Bronze Ormolu French Victorian 8-day mantel Clock – CA 1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 011fa77b5c

Terms in this record

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

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