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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Mantel Clock with Champlevé Enamel

Partially verified

This antique French mantel clock, dated circa 1885 by the source, features an architectural cast brass case decorated with champlevé enameling in black, red, blue, and white. An arched pediment topped by a domed cupola and an openwork ball-and-spire finial is flanked by corner spires and sculpted putti figures, including one seated at the upper arch and two leaning against flanking columns. The dial features engraved Roman numerals, trident-style hands, and two winding arbors. The dealer reports that the clock houses an eight-day key-wind movement striking on a bell at the hour and half-hour, resting on a stepped plinth base with turned brass feet.

French cast brass and champlevé enamel mantel clock, circa 1885
French cast brass and champlevé enamel mantel clock, circa 1885 — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
RHOL 1811
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1885
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

Architectural Case Construction

The clock is housed in an architectural cast brass case featuring a domed top and a broken arch pediment. The design incorporates an openwork ball-and-spire finial at the apex, with additional finials situated at the corners.

The case is decorated with sculpted putti figures—one positioned at the center of the arch and two others leaning against the front columns. The structure rests on a stepped plinth base supported by turned brass feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “cast brass architectural case”
  • “The domed top has an ornate ball-and-spire finial over a broken arch pediment with a putto seated at the center and ball-and-spire finials at each corner.”
  • “putti leaning upon each of the front two columns”
  • “The conforming stepped plinth base is raised on turned brass feet”

Dial and Ornamentation

The recessed gilt dial features engraved Roman numerals and trident-style hands. The clock is decorated with champlevé enamel panels.

The enamel work includes black, red, blue, and white colors in patterns throughout the exterior.

Evidence for this section
  • “recessed gilt dial with engraved Roman numerals and trident style hands”
  • “Champlevé of black, red, blue, and white embellish the clock in conforming patterns throughout.”

Movement and Attribution

The clock houses an eight-day key-wind movement that strikes a bell at the hour and half-hour. These specifications are provided by the dealer.

The date of circa 1885 is assigned by the source. No specific maker’s mark or foundry signature is cited.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight day key wind movement that strikes a bell at the hour and half-hour”
  • “Circa 1885”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks or foundry stamps present on the movement plates or the underside of the base?
  • What specific restoration work was performed on the clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Mantel Clock with Champlevé Enamel
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialCast brass with champlevé enameling“cast brass architectural case with vibrant Champlevé enameling”
Enamel ColorsBlack, red, blue, and white“Champlevé of black, red, blue, and white embellish the clock in conforming patterns throughout.”
MovementEight-day key-wind with hour and half-hour bell strike“eight day key wind movement that strikes a bell at the hour and half-hour”
Dimensions16″H x 8 1/2″W x 6 1/2″D“16″H x 8 1/2″W x 6 1/2″D”
DateCirca 1885“Circa 1885”

Visible details

  • Cast brass architectural case with ornamental champlevé enamel panels in blue, red, black, and white.
  • Sculpted gilt putti figures positioned at the pediment arch and beside the front flanking columns.
  • Recessed gilt dial with black-filled Roman numerals, trident-style hands, and two winding apertures.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement is not visible in the provided image; mechanism specifications rely on source description.
  • Specific clockmaker or foundry mark is unstated.

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

Consulted source

French Mantel Clock with Champlevé Enamel - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record defdf0c5ed

Terms in this record

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

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