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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Marble and Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock dates to the late 19th century and is constructed from a combination of patinated metal, marble, and black slate. The design is architectural in style, incorporating contrasting stone panels with metalwork accents. The clock features a circular dial marked with Roman numerals, centered by an inlaid malachite roundel and an open escapement. The lower section of the case contains a glazed compartment that houses a visible mercury compensated pendulum, flanked by decorative columns. Measuring approximately 18.75 inches in height, 14.5 inches in width, and 7.5 inches in depth, the clock is designed to strike the hour on a bell. The timepiece is characterized by its integration of natural stone elements with traditional horological mechanics, presented within a substantial slate housing.

Front view of the French marble and slate mantel clock featuring the dial, open escapement, and glazed pendulum compartment.
Front view of the French marble and slate mantel clock featuring the dial, open escapement, and glazed pendulum compartment. — Auction house “Auctions at Showplace”, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 19th century
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 Construction and Design

The clock is built in an architectural style, utilizing a prominent black slate structure as its primary housing. This dark base is contrasted by the inclusion of marble panels and patinated metalwork accents. The design is described as being of an architectural, Neoclassical influence, creating a structured aesthetic for the mantelpiece.

The lower portion of the case features a glazed aperture, providing a direct view of the pendulum mechanism. This compartment is framed by decorative columns that contribute to the architectural theme. Decorative metalwork elements and inset marble sections are positioned across the lower body, enhancing the overall visual complexity of the clock's exterior. The substantial nature of the piece is confirmed by its dimensions, standing at nearly 19 inches tall.

Evidence for this section
  • “constructed from a combination of patinated metal, marble, and black slate, exhibiting an architectural, Neoclassical design”
  • “lower section houses a visible mercury compensated pendulum within a glazed compartment, flanked by decorative columns”

Dial and Timekeeping Mechanics

The clock features a circular dial characterized by its Roman numeral indices. Central to the dial face is an open escapement, which allows for a partial view of the movement's operation. A distinctive decorative element is the inlaid malachite roundel centered within the escapement assembly, providing a vibrant contrast to the slate and patinated metal finishes.

Internally, the movement is configured for the hour-strike function, sounding upon a bell. The regulation of the clock is managed by a mercury compensated pendulum, which remains visible through the front glass panel of the lower case. This component is integrated into the clock's design as both a functional horological device and a focal point of the visual presentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “circular dial with Roman numerals and an open escapement, which is distinctively centered by an inlaid malachite roundel”
  • “designed to strike the hour on a bell”
  • “visible mercury compensated pendulum within a glazed compartment”

Attribution and Origin

The source identifies this object as a French mantel clock produced during the late 19th century. No specific maker or workshop is cited in the available records, leaving the exact provenance or horological school of the piece unspecified.

The record notes that the description is derived from a single auction listing. As such, the provided details pertain to this specific example, and the source specifies that other examples of this type may exist with variations in their construction or decoration. The documentation is restricted to the physical characteristics observable through the listing's provided materials.

Evidence for this section
  • “This French mantel clock, dating to the late 19th century”
  • “integration of natural stone elements with traditional horological mechanics”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement maker for this clock?
  • Are there visible stamps or serial numbers on the backplate of the movement that could identify the manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Marble and Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datelate 19th century“dating to the late 19th century”
Materialspatinated metal, marble, black slate, malachite“constructed from a combination of patinated metal, marble, and black slate”
Dimensions18.75" H x 14.5" W x 7.5" D“18.75 inches in height, 14.5 inches in width, and 7.5 inches in depth”
DialCircular with Roman numerals“circular dial with Roman numerals”
EscapementOpen escapement“open escapement”
PendulumMercury compensated“visible mercury compensated pendulum”
Striking mechanismStrikes on a bell“designed to strike the hour on a bell”

Visible details

  • Visible mercury compensated pendulum in glazed central compartment
  • Circular dial with Roman numeral indices
  • Inlaid malachite roundel at dial center
  • Dark stone architecture with contrasting marble panels

Research qualifications

  • Maker is unidentified
  • Internal movement details beyond the escapement and strike mechanism are not documented

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

Consulted source

French Marble and Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 887dfb209b

Terms in this record

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

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