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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Mantel Timepiece

Partially verified

This French mantel timepiece is an ornamental horological object constructed from ormolu (gilt brass). The clock case features a sculptural figure of Cupid holding a bow and arrow, positioned atop an elaborate base decorated with scrolling foliate and acanthus motifs. The white dial displays Roman numerals and includes a single winding hole, indicating a time-only movement. The movement is housed within a cylindrical, ribbed casing. An inset porcelain plaque, decorated with floral patterns in a style attributed to Sèvres, is mounted on the front section of the base below the dial. The clock is described as a non-striking model, designed exclusively for time display. The design incorporates decorative tooth-like edging around the bezel of the glass dial cover. The structural composition is supported by an ornate feet assembly consistent with its aesthetic configuration.

Front view of the French ormolu mantel clock featuring a Cupid figure and floral porcelain plaque.
Front view of the French ormolu mantel clock featuring a Cupid figure and floral porcelain plaque. — Zamanito / The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
It's About Time (The Clock & Watch Shop)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
فرانسه

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 and Aesthetic Design

The clock is presented as an ornamental mantel timepiece featuring an ormolu, or gilt brass, construction. The primary sculptural focus is a figure of Cupid, depicted in an active pose with a bow and arrow. The base upon which the figure rests is embellished with detailed foliate and scroll-work engravings.

Situated below the dial is a small porcelain plaque, noted by the source as being in the Sèvres style, which features delicate floral painting. The dial itself is finished in white and utilizes Roman numeral indices for timekeeping. The bezel surrounding the dial glass is finished with regular, tooth-like serrated ornamentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت رومیزی فرانسوی (French Mantel Timepiece) طبق توضیحات منبع، یک اثر تزیینی کلاسیک از جنس برنج طلاکاری‌شده (اورمولو / Ormolu) است”
  • “در زیر قاب صفحه، یک پلاک پورسلین کوچک با تزیینات گل‌دار به سبک سور (Sevres) قرار گرفته است”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is housed within a cylindrical, ribbed casing located behind the dial. The presence of a single winding aperture on the dial indicates a time-only movement, confirming that the clock is a non-striking model designed to measure time without an acoustic strike mechanism.

The source notes that the movement is accessible from the rear, though it is reported that the back cover was removed in the provided documentation. No detailed service records or specific technical specifications regarding the escapement or age of the movement are included in the provided information.

Evidence for this section
  • “تک سوراخ کوک روی صفحه به‌خوبی نشان‌دهنده ماهیت تک‌فنره و زمان‌سنجی صرف این ساعت است”
  • “این مدل از نوع فاقد زنگ (Non-striking) است که تنها به نمایش زمان می‌پردازد”
  • “نمای پشتی ساعت محفظه استوانه‌ای مکانیزم را نشان می‌دهد”

Condition and Maintenance

The provenance and specific historical timeline of this timepiece are not documented. The provided information outlines that technical verification is required regarding the state of the ormolu finish and the structural integrity of the porcelain plaque.

Prospective assessment should focus on the functionality of the balance and gear train, as well as the presence of necessary components such as the winding key and the rear casing door, which is currently noted as absent in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “خریداران و مجموعه‌داران پیش از خرید باید اصالت لایه آبکاری طلا (اورمولو)، سلامت پلاک سرامیکی سور، کارکرد منظم رقاصک و چرخ‌دنده‌ها و همچنین وجود کلید کوک و درب پشت محفظه موتور را مورد بررسی قرار دهند”

Open research questions

  • What is the approximate date of manufacture for this movement?
  • Does the porcelain plaque bear any manufacturer's marks or factory signatures?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Mantel Timepiece
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
TypeMantel clock“ساعت رومیزی / طاقچه‌ای (Mantel Timepiece)”
Country of OriginFrance“کشور سازنده: فرانسه”
Body MaterialOrmolu (Gilt Brass)“جنس بدنه: برنج زراندود (اورمولو / Ormolu)”
Movement TypeNon-striking“مکانیزم زنگ: فاقد زنگ (Non-striking)”
Decorative ElementsCupid figurine, Sèvres-style porcelain plaque“تزیین شده با پیکره برنزی کوپید در حال پرتاب تیر عشق”
DialWhite with Roman numerals“صفحه ساعت به رنگ سفید با اعداد رومی برای نمایش ساعت‌ها طراحی شده”

Visible details

  • Figure of Cupid with bow and arrow
  • Inset floral porcelain plaque
  • Single winding hole
  • Cylindrical ribbed movement housing

Research qualifications

  • Authenticity of the ormolu gilding
  • Condition of the internal movement and balance wheel

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

Consulted source

French Mantel Timepiece

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 385d47e783

Terms in this record

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

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