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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mounted Black Marble Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock is constructed from veined black marble and accented with gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts. The design features a seated lion finial positioned above an acanthus-molded cornice. The front face includes a white dial with Roman numerals, which is flanked by rococo-style corner spandrels. Additional decorative elements consist of lion mask ring handles attached to the sides of the marble body. The clock stands on a stepped base supported by four acanthus-scrolled feet. The object measures 18 by 9 by 5 inches. Internally, the clock is powered by a modern quartz battery-operated movement. As noted in the provided documentation, this piece is a contemporary decorative item designed to reflect traditional, historical styles rather than a period antique. It is marketed as a French Neoclassical style object, combining heavy marble construction with gold-toned metal detailing across its exterior surfaces.

Front view of the French Neoclassical style mantel clock showing the lion finial, white dial, and black marble case.
Front view of the French Neoclassical style mantel clock showing the lion finial, white dial, and black marble case. — Williamson Auction Gallery, 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
Not established
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 and Aesthetic Design

The clock features a substantial case crafted from veined black marble, designed in a French Neoclassical style. The silhouette is defined by a rectangular body supported by a stepped base, which terminates in four acanthus-scrolled gilt-bronze feet. The upper portion of the case is crowned by an acanthus-molded cornice, which serves as a platform for the prominent gilded lion finial.

The ornamentation relies heavily on gilt-bronze mounts, or ormolu. These include the previously mentioned lion mask ring handles attached to the sides of the marble body, and the ornate rococo-style spandrel appliques framing the dial. The overall aesthetic is described as a combination of Empire and Neoclassical influences, utilizing the contrast between the dark, veined stone and the applied gold-toned metal detailing to achieve a decorative presence suited for mantel or shelf display.

Evidence for this section
  • “case crafted from veined black marble, adorned with elaborate gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts”
  • “design is topped with a prominent gilded finial in the form of a seated lion, positioned above an acanthus-molded cornice”
  • “The clock is supported by a stepped marble base that rests upon four acanthus-scrolled gilt-bronze feet”

Dial and Movement

The front of the clock is occupied by a white dial featuring Roman numerals. The dial is integrated into the center of the black marble face and is visually framed by the applied rococo-style corner spandrels. The dial includes a distinct quartz movement indication, which aligns with the object's specified interior mechanism.

The clock is powered by a modern quartz battery-operated movement. This indicates that despite the traditional, historical aesthetic design, the object is a contemporary construction. This distinction is explicitly noted to clarify the piece's utility as a decorative item rather than an antique clockwork instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “front face hosts a white dial decorated with Roman numerals and framed by ornate rococo-style corner spandrel”
  • “It is powered by a modern quartz battery-operated movement, distinguishing it as a contemporary decorative object designed in a traditional, historical style.”

Identification and Classification

The object is identified as a French Neoclassical style mantel clock. Documentation provided describes the object as a contemporary decorative piece rather than an antique from the period of the style it mimics. The physical dimensions of the object are recorded as 18 by 9 by 5 inches, providing a scale intended for tabletop display.

The record states that the source information is derived from a single auction-house listing. It emphasizes that this information applies only to the specific example photographed and described, suggesting that other similar-looking items may differ. No specific manufacturer or exact production date is provided in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “distinguishing it as a contemporary decorative object designed in a traditional, historical style”
  • “The overall dimensions of the clock are 18 by 9 by 5 inches”
  • “Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the quartz movement?
  • Is there any manufacturer or assembly mark present on the marble or metal components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mounted Black Marble Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialveined black marble, gilt bronze (ormolu)“veined black marble, gilt bronze (ormolu)”
Dimensions18 x 9 x 5 inches“18 x 9 x 5 inches”
Movement Typequartz battery-operated“powered by a modern quartz battery-operated movement”
Dial detailsWhite dial with Roman numerals“white dial decorated with Roman numerals”
Design motifslion finial, lion mask side ring handles, acanthus leaf molding, rococo spandrels“lion finial, lion mask side ring handles, acanthus leaf molding, rococo spandrels”
Primary constructionveined black marble“case crafted from veined black marble”

Visible details

  • Seated lion gilt-bronze finial
  • Roman numeral white dial with quartz text
  • Acanthus leaf moulding on the cornice and feet
  • Lion mask ring handles on the sides

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is not stated and remains uncertain
  • The source classifies the style as French Neoclassical, but it is a contemporary object

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

Consulted source

French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mounted Black Marble Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b3584fdcdd

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records