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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Silver Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French silver-cased mantel clock is a timepiece of early 20th-century manufacture. The case is constructed from silver and is shaped with curved, decorative feet and complex, scrolling leaf and vine motifs. Its surface treatment alternates between polished and matte textures. The clock face is white enamel with a 2-inch diameter, featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals. Time is indicated by silver-toned openwork hands. An 8-day drum movement powers the clock and is fitted with an English lever escapement. The case bears hallmarks for French silver, alongside London import marks for 1914 and the mark of importer Charles Stuart Harris. The clock is accompanied by its winding key.

Front view of the French silver-cased mantel clock with Rococo-style decorative details and enamel dial.
Front view of the French silver-cased mantel clock with Rococo-style decorative details and enamel dial. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Auguste Leroi (Paris), imported by Charles Stuart Harris (London)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1914
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 Dial

The clock features a cast silver body characterized by its intricate, flowing design. The structure is heavily influenced by curvilinear motifs, incorporating foliage and vine patterns that are distributed across a base with outward-curving supports.

The face of the clock is crafted from white enamel with a diameter of two inches. It utilizes black Roman numerals for the primary hour track, complemented by an outer ring showing five-minute intervals in Arabic numerals. Silver-colored filigree hands move over the dial, which is protected by a hinged cast-silver bezel. A winding point is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت مزین به موتیف‌های پیچک‌دار پرپیچ‌وخم، نقوش گل و برگ و ترکیب سطوح مات‌بافت و براق است”
  • “زه شیشه‌ای لولادار ریخته‌گری‌شده از این صفحه محافظت می‌کند”
  • “روزنه کوک در موقعیت ساعت ۶ روی صفحه تعبیه شده است”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is a standard 8-day drum timepiece, noted for the absence of striking or chiming complications. The mechanical heart of the object is an English lever escapement, which regulates the timekeeping. According to the provided documentation, the movement has been serviced and overhauled to ensure functional operation.

The object includes a dedicated winding key. Collectors are advised to verify the performance of the spring and escapement independently as part of a routine assessment of the clock’s technical condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت از نوع درامی هشت‌روزه (timepiece drum movement) بدون زنگ است که به چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی انگلیسی (English lever escapement) مجهز شده است”
  • “موتور دستگاه کاملاً سرویس و اورهال شده و در وضعیت کارکرد صحیح و مناسب قرار دارد”

Marks and Attribution

The object was subsequently imported into the United Kingdom, indicated by the presence of specific London import hallmarks.

These marks date the importation of the piece to 1914. The casing also carries the specific mark of the importer, Charles Stuart Harris, a well-known entity in the London trade during this period. The documentation suggests these stamps are critical indicators of the object's commercial history and transition between the French and British markets.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت حامل نشان‌های نقره فرانسه (احتمالاً نشان Auguste Leroi مستقر در پاریس) و نشان‌های وارداتی لندن برای سال ۱۹۱۴ میلادی به همراه نشان سازنده/واردکننده Charles Stuart Harris است”

Open research questions

  • Confirmation of the specific Auguste Leroi silver hallmark identity.
  • Verification of the movement’s internal condition and part originality.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Silver Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialCast and decorated silver“بدنه‌ای از جنس نقره و به سبک روکوکو (Rococo) ریخته‌گری و پردازش شده است”
Movement Type8-day drum timepiece“موتور ساعت از نوع درامی هشت‌روزه (timepiece drum movement)”
EscapementEnglish lever“به چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی انگلیسی (English lever escapement)”
Import MarksLondon, 1914“نشان‌های وارداتی لندن برای سال ۱۹۱۴ میلادی”
ImporterCharles Stuart Harris“نشان سازنده/واردکننده Charles Stuart Harris”
Dial Diameter2 inches“صفحه ساعت با قطر ۲ اینچ از جنس مینای سفید (enamel) طراحی شده”
Dimensions23cm x 13cm x 8.5cm“ارتفاع ۲۳ سانتی‌متر، عرض ۱۳ سانتی‌متر، عمق ۸.۵ سانتی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Silver-cased mantel clock with Rococo-style casting
  • Enamel dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute track
  • Integral winding aperture located at the six o'clock position
  • Ornate cast-silver case with scrolling foliage

Research qualifications

  • Presence of a small crack on the enamel dial near the 2 o'clock position
  • Slight shading visible on the dial between the 6 and 7 o'clock positions

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

Consulted source

A French Silver Cased Mantel Clock Timepiece

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ec2bce58ca

Terms in this record

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

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