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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French regulator mantel clock in green onyx and champlevé

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, attributed to circa 1880, features a four-glass case constructed with green onyx and champlevé enamel decoration. The clock stands 33 cm high, 21 cm wide, and 16.5 cm deep. , which comprises an 8-day gong-striking movement and a compensating pendulum. The dial is gilt, featuring Arabic numerals and a central champlevé motif, accompanied by original hands. The base and the supporting pillars of the case are accented with champlevé enamel work. According to the auction description, the clock is in working order and has undergone a recent service by a professional horologist. The condition is described as consistent with its age, with minor signs of wear visible upon inspection.

Front view of the 4-glass regulator mantel clock with green onyx base, champlevé pillars, and gilt dial.
Front view of the 4-glass regulator mantel clock with green onyx base, champlevé pillars, and gilt dial. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
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 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

The clock is housed in a four-glass case, a configuration that allows for the observation of the internal movement and pendulum. The primary structural material is green onyx, which forms the base and the top of the clock. This stone is complemented by vertical pillars and borders featuring champlevé enamel decoration.

The exterior includes four beveled glass panels, allowing for light to penetrate the movement. The dimensions of the object are recorded as 33 cm by 21 cm by 16.5 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case has beveled glass to each side show casing the fantastic 8-day gong striking movement and the swinging pendulum.”
  • “Wonderful rare green onyx case with chapleve decorated features.”
  • “Measures 33cm high by 21cm wide & 16.5cm deep”

Movement and Dial

The timekeeping is powered by an 8-day movement which features a gong striking capability. The movement is mounted to allow for the exposure of a compensating pendulum, designed to adjust to fluctuations in room temperature.

The dial is finished in gilt and features Arabic numerals. A central champlevé motif matches the decorative elements found on the exterior pillars and base. The clock retains its original hands, which are positioned against the central enamel design.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gong striking 8-day movement”
  • “Gilt dial with Arabic numerals and centre chapleve motif”
  • “The pendulum is compensating which reacts to the changes in room temperature.”

Condition and Maintenance

The auction description reports the clock is in working order following a recent service performed by a professional horologist. The overall condition is described as good, commensurate with an object from approximately 1880.

The surface of the materials shows slight signs of age. Potential owners are directed to inspect the provided photographic documentation to assess the condition of the enamel and onyx surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Working order and recently serviced by a professional horologist”
  • “Good condition for age, showing slight signs or age”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or retailer of this movement?
  • Does the serial number exist on the movement plates to allow for maker identification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French regulator mantel clock in green onyx and champlevé
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1880“Circa 1880”
Country of manufactureFrance“French made”
Dimensions33 cm high by 21 cm wide & 16.5 cm deep“Measures 33cm high by 21cm wide & 16.5cm deep”
Movement8-day gong-striking“Gong striking 8-day movement”
Case type4 glass“4 glass case”
DialGilt with Arabic numerals and champlevé“Gilt dial with Arabic numerals and centre chapleve motif”
PendulumCompensating“Compensating pendulum”

Visible details

  • Case features green onyx base and top
  • Champlevé enamel decoration on pillars and base borders
  • Gilt dial with Arabic numerals
  • Compensating pendulum visible through glass

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in the source
  • Specific service history details are not provided beyond general claims

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

Consulted source

French Regulator 4 glass & green onyx champleve case Mantel clock – ca1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c166c06d9a

Terms in this record

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

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