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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Garniture clock

French Medieval Castle Garniture Clock

Partially verified

This nineteenth-century French clock garniture consists of a central clock and a pair of flanking towers. The central piece is designed in the shape of a medieval castle, featuring sculpted masonry and architectural detailing. A circular clock dial is set into the structure, inscribed with the signature "Levassor / Paris." The side towers, which differ in dimensions from the clock, each incorporate a central electric light and candlestick arms. The ensemble is designed for display on a mantelpiece. The electric components within the side towers are secondary additions, and their wiring safety remains unverified by the provided source information.

Full garniture set including the central castle-shaped clock and two side towers with lights.
Full garniture set including the central castle-shaped clock and two side towers with lights. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Garniture clock
Maker / attribution
Levassor
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
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

Clock and Design

The set is comprised of a primary clock unit and two matching side towers, created to function as a mantel garniture. The clock's main body mimics the architecture of a fortified medieval castle, finished with carvings intended to resemble stone masonry. The dial is integrated into the front facade of the castle, which also includes a simulated drawbridge.

The side towers follow the same thematic design, featuring smaller masonry-style bases. Each tower is equipped with an integrated electric light and branched candlestick holders, extending from the tower walls. These elements are distinct from the clock's timekeeping mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “مجموعه شامل ساعت مرکزی و یک جفت برج جانبی است”
  • “هر کدام چراغ برقی مرکزی و بازوهای شمعدان دارند.”

Signature and Chronology

The clock is identified by a signature on its dial, which identifies the maker as Levassor, based in Paris. The source attributes the set to the nineteenth century, noting that the 'medieval' designation refers to the visual design rather than the actual period of manufacture.

The source notes that the signature on the dial cannot be assumed to prove that the maker produced every component of the garniture set. The electric lighting is explicitly identified as an addition that does not provide information about the history of the clock's internal movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “روی صفحه ساعت نوشته Levassor / Paris دیده می‌شود.”
  • “قرون‌وسطایی وصف طرح قلعه است نه دوره ساخت؛ منبع سده نوزدهم را ذکر می‌کند.”
  • “نام Levassor در جدول و امضای Levassor / Paris روی صفحه، سازنده همه اجزا را اثبات نمی‌کنند.”

Reported Condition

The auction-provided source characterizes the overall state of the garniture as favorable, indicating that both the build quality and the maintenance status are considered satisfactory for collectors.

No technical service records are provided, and the internal movement details or original bell types are not listed. The safety of the electrical wiring added to the towers is explicitly not verified by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “ت و وضعیت نگهداری این مجموعه را مطلوب توصیف می‌کند”
  • “جزئیات موتور و سرویس اعلام نشده است.”
  • “زمان برق‌دارکردن و ایمنی سیم‌کشی نامشخص است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material used for the clock case construction?
  • What is the technical nature of the original clock movement hidden behind the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Medieval Castle Garniture Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLevassor“روی صفحه ساعت نوشته Levassor / Paris دیده می‌شود.”
Date19th century“مجموعه ساعت رومیزی فرانسوی سده نوزدهم”
CountryFrance“خاستگاه: فرانسه”
Clock dimensions14 3/4 x 14 3/4 x 26 inches“ابعاد ساعت: سطح مربع 14 3/4 × 14 3/4 اینچ؛ ارتفاع 26 اینچ”
Tower dimensions7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 26 1/2 inches“ابعاد برج‌های جانبی: سطح مربع 7 3/4 × 7 3/4 اینچ؛ ارتفاع 26 1/2 اینچ”
SignatureLevassor / Paris“نوشته صفحه: Levassor / Paris”
ConditionFavorable“منبع کیفیت و وضعیت نگهداری مجموعه را مطلوب توصیف می‌کند”

Visible details

  • Central clock features a hinged drawbridge element
  • Side towers include integrated candlestick arms
  • Masonry-style carving throughout the exterior of all three pieces
  • Circular dial with Arabic numerals and signature

Research qualifications

  • Originality of electric lighting components remains unverified
  • Maker identification on dial does not confirm production of all garniture components
  • Specific material composition of the housing is not identified

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

Consulted source

مجموعه ساعت رومیزی فرانسوی به شکل قلعه قرون‌وسطایی

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 85a0cea125

Terms in this record

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