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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Restoration Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French Restauration period mantel clock, dated circa 1820, features a hand-chased doré bronze case inset with a painted porcelain plaque. The plaque depicts the classical subject of the Continence of Scipio, showing the Roman general Scipio Africanus surrounded by soldiers and figures. The ormolu case is decorated with floral garlands, columns, and winged lions, incorporating shell, acanthus, and scroll motifs. The time is displayed on a doré bronze dial with Roman numerals and a fleur-de-lis shaped hour hand. The clock movement is stamped "Schuller a Paris." Measuring approximately 15 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 28 1/2 inches high, the piece reflects the artistic themes of the era.

Full view of the bronze and porcelain mantel clock
Full view of the bronze and porcelain mantel clock — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Schuller
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1820
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 Decorative Elements

The clock is constructed from hand-chased doré bronze. The design incorporates numerous classical motifs consistent with the French Restauration period, including stately columns, garlands of fruit and flowers, and winged lions.

Additional decorative details on the bronze casing include shell, acanthus, and scroll embellishments. These elements surround the central porcelain plaque and the clock face, creating an ornate aesthetic.

The central panel features a porcelain plaque depicting the Continence of Scipio, a historical narrative concerning the Roman general Scipio Africanus. The scene includes the general in armor, a hostage, her fiancé, and various soldiers and trophies.

Evidence for this section
  • “The hand-chased doré bronze that surrounds the plaque is also a stunning example of the opulent Neoclassicism of the age.”
  • “the clock is adorned by garlands of fruit and flowers, stately columns, and winged lions, all accented by generous shell, acanthus and scroll decorations.”

Dial and Movement

The time is displayed on a doré bronze clock face positioned at the top of the clock structure. The dial features Roman numerals indicating the hours.

The clock utilizes a fleur-de-lis shaped hour hand. The mechanical movement is signed and stamped with the maker's mark indicating origin in Paris.

Evidence for this section
  • “The time is told on a doré bronze clock face, which feature Roman numerals at the hours and a fleur-de-lis hours' hand.”
  • “Movement stamped "Schuller a Paris”

Provenance and Historical Context

The clock is attributed to the French Restauration period. This era followed the fall of Napoléon Bonaparte and is characterized by the integration of Neoclassical influence and the legacy of the Empire style.

The auction description indicates that similar examples of clockwork by Schuller are found within the British Royal Collection, providing a point of comparison for the work of this maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “It also reveals the Neoclassicism that pervaded the French Restauration period, a time that followed Napoléon's fall from power, yet still remained influenced by the Empire style of his reign.”
  • “Similar examples by Schuller can be found in the British Royal Collection.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement used in the Schuller movement?
  • Are there archival records confirming the production of this specific clock design by the Schuller workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Restoration Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSchuller“by Schuller of Paris”
Movement signatureSchuller a Paris“Movement stamped "Schuller a Paris”
Datecirca 1820“Circa 1820”
Dimensions15" wide x 6" deep x 28 1/2" high“15" wide x 6" deep x 28 1/2" high”
SubjectThe Continence of Scipio“The plaque represents the The Continence of Scipio”

Visible details

  • Blue fleur-de-lis hour hand
  • Roman numerals on the dial
  • Winged lion motifs on the base
  • Painted porcelain plaque depicting a classical scene

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance history of this specific clock is not provided
  • The attribution of the painting technique on the porcelain plaque is not specified beyond being a painting

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

Consulted source

ساعت شومینه‌ای فرانسوی؛ برنز و چینی

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record eb3cbf9bfb

Terms in this record

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

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