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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Red Boulle Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This antique French mantel clock is constructed with a red Boulle-style marquetry casing in a serpentine form. Dating to approximately 1880, the clock features cast brass mounts and decorative capitals positioned at the front and sides of the case. The brass dial is fitted with individual porcelain Roman numeral cartridges, and the movement is a mechanical, 8-day duration type capable of striking on a bell on the hour and half-hour. A sunburst-pattern brass pendulum is suspended within the case and is visible through the rear access door.

Front view of the French Boulle-style mantel clock, showing the porcelain Roman numeral markers and cast brass mounts.
Front view of the French Boulle-style mantel clock, showing the porcelain Roman numeral markers and cast brass mounts. — Zamanito / Pendulum of Mayfair. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
1871

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 Features

The clock is designed in a serpentine, or wavy, body shape finished in red Boulle-style marquetry. This technique involves decorative inlay set against a red ground, integrated with cast brass elements that frame the structure. Brass capitals are positioned at the front and sides of the case, contributing to the architectural appearance.

The base and corners of the clock are supported by cast brass feet and fittings, which serve both structural and ornamental roles. The design prioritizes the contrast between the red ground of the marquetry and the bright yellow tone of the metallic components.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از تزئینات معرق‌کاری بول بر زمینه قرمز به همراه قاب‌بندی‌ها و پایه‌های برنجی ریخته‌گری‌شده بهره می‌برد”
  • “در ساخت قاب این اثر از تزئینات و یراق‌آلات برنجی باکیفیت و سرستون‌های برنجی ظریف استفاده شده است”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is composed of a brass center plate featuring intricate engraved details. The time is displayed via individual porcelain cartridges, each marked with Roman numerals in blue. These cartridges are arranged in a circular formation around the central dial assembly.

Winding holes are positioned on the dial, allowing access to the mechanical movement. The clock is an 8-day timepiece, meaning it requires winding approximately once a week to maintain regular operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس برنج کار شده و دارای نشانگرهای مجزا با اعداد رومی لعابی یا پرسلین است”
  • “دسته‌های ساعت روی این صفحه مرکزی برنجی قرار گرفته و روزنه‌های کوک نیز روی صفحه قابل مشاهده هستند”

Movement and Pendulum

The mechanical movement is housed within the casing and includes a striking mechanism that hits a bell on the hour and half-hour. This system is visible through the rear, where the bell is mounted above the pendulum assembly.

A brass sunburst pendulum regulates the timekeeping. It is accessible through the rear door of the clock case, providing a view of both the pendulum and the movement backplate, which bears the number 1871.

Evidence for this section
  • “این مکانیزم با یک لنگر برنجی طرح خورشیدی (Sunburst) تکمیل شده که از دریچه پشتی و پشت قاب قابل مشاهده است”
  • “موتور این ساعت از نوع مکانیکی کوکی با ذخیره توان ۸ روزه است که قابلیت نواختن زنگ در ساعت‌ها و نیم‌ساعت‌ها را روی یک کاسه‌زنگ (Bell) داراست”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'AF' stamp on the movement plate alongside the number 1871?
  • Are there any signs of past restoration to the Boulle inlay, such as lifting or replaced pieces, not visible in the provided photographs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Red Boulle Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1880“قدمت آن به حدود سال ۱۸۸۰ میلادی بازمی‌گردد”
Movement duration8-day“موتور این ساعت از نوع مکانیکی کوکی با ذخیره توان ۸ روزه است”
Case styleRed Boulle“بدنه ساعت از تزئینات معرق‌کاری بول بر زمینه قرمز”
Striking mechanismBell strike“قابلیت نواختن زنگ در ساعت‌ها و نیم‌ساعت‌ها را روی یک کاسه‌زنگ (Bell) داراست”
CountryFrance“کشور سازنده: فرانسه”

Visible details

  • Red Boulle marquetry casing with serpentine silhouette
  • Cast brass sunburst-pattern pendulum
  • Porcelain Roman numeral hour markers on brass dial

Research qualifications

  • Condition of mainsprings and striking gear functionality not verified
  • Exact dimensions not provided in source

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

Consulted source

Antique French Red Boulle Clock C1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f1d74475a3

Terms in this record

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

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