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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Red Tortoiseshell and Gilt Brass Mantel Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as late 19th or early 20th century in the Louis XIV style, this French mantel clock features a red tortoiseshell case mounted with gilt brass decoration. The caddy top is surmounted by a central urn finial and flanked by corner finials, resting on scroll bracket feet. The cream enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and retains a rubbed retailer signature reading '...CHES / EDINBURGH' for Hamilton & Inches. According to auction records, the interior houses a twin-train movement stamped Vincenti & Cie numbered 39156, striking on a gong and paired with a pendulum bearing a matching serial number.

Front view of the French red tortoiseshell and gilt brass mantel clock
Front view of the French red tortoiseshell and gilt brass mantel clock — Lyon & Turnbull. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lyonandturnbull.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Vincenti & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
459
Source-reported date
late 19th / early 20th century
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
39156

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 Exterior

The mantel clock is styled in the Louis XIV taste, featuring a caddy top surmounted by urn finials. The case is raised on scroll bracket feet.

The clock is described as being constructed of red tortoiseshell and gilt brass.

Evidence for this section
  • “in the Louis XIV style”
  • “the caddy top case surmounted with urn finials, on scroll bracket feet”
  • “FRENCH RED TORTOISESHELL AND GILT BRASS MANTEL CLOCK”

Dial and Retailer

The circular dial is finished in cream enamel with Roman numerals.

The dial bears a signature for 'Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh', which is noted as rubbed.

Evidence for this section
  • “the cream enamel dial with Roman numerals”
  • “rubbed signature for ‘Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh’”

Movement

The clock houses a twin-train movement stamped 'Vincenti & Cie', which strikes on a gong.

The movement is numbered 39156 and is paired with a pendulum bearing a matching serial number.

Evidence for this section
  • “the twin train movement stamped Vincenti & Cie striking on a gong”
  • “numbered ‘39156’ with a matching number pendulum”

Open research questions

  • What specific production dates correspond to the serial number 39156 for Vincenti & Cie?
  • Are there additional markings on the movement plate beyond the maker's stamp and serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Red Tortoiseshell and Gilt Brass Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
StyleLouis XIV style“in the Louis XIV style”
Movement makerVincenti & Cie“the twin train movement stamped Vincenti & Cie”
Serial number39156“numbered ‘39156’ with a matching number pendulum”
RetailerHamilton & Inches, Edinburgh“rubbed signature for ‘Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh’”
Dimensions37cm high, 19cm wide, 13cm deep“37cm high, 19cm wide, 13cm deep”
Striking mechanismGong strike“striking on a gong”
CITES NoticeSubject to import/export restrictions due to CITES regulations.“Please be aware that this lot contains material which may be subject to import/export restrictions, especially outside the EU, due to CITES regulations.”

Visible details

  • Red tortoiseshell-veneered waisted case enriched with cast gilt brass foliate and female mask mounts.
  • Circular cream enamel dial with black Roman numerals, dual winding apertures, and rubbed retailer lettering.
  • Caddy top surmounted by a central pierced urn finial and two smaller flanking urn finials.
  • Cast gilt brass scrolled bracket feet with foliate and mask decoration along the lower apron.

Research qualifications

  • Retailer signature on the dial is partially rubbed and faded.
  • Subject to CITES trade regulations due to red tortoiseshell veneer.

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

Consulted source

FRENCH RED TORTOISESHELL AND GILT BRASS MANTEL CLOCK LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY | 14 May 2026

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record a0233f5d2f

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records