Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Vernis Martin Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, attributed to Vernis Martin, dates to approximately 1860. The clock features a case with a painted finish, decorated with a "loving couple" motif on the front and further floral detailing. The exterior is framed by classical scrolling ormolu mounts and supported by ormolu feet. The timepiece displays a convex enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and Roman numerals, operated by original finely cut French steel hands. Internally, the clock is powered by an 8-day gong-striking movement with a platform escapement. Measuring 38 cm in height, 19 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth, the clock is presented in working order following a service by the retailer. It is accompanied by a winding key.

Front view of the French painted mantel clock featuring a floral and figural decorative finish, scrolling ormolu mounts, and a convex enamel dial.
Front view of the French painted mantel clock featuring a floral and figural decorative finish, scrolling ormolu mounts, and a convex enamel dial. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Unknown (Attributed to Vernis Martin style)
Reference
JN21
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1860
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 is housed in a case decorated with a painted finish, featuring a scene depicting a 'loving couple' on the lower front section, complemented by surrounding floral painted elements. The overall form is accented with classical scrolling bronze ormolu mounts and supported by four distinct ormolu feet at the base.

The time is indicated on a convex enamel dial which displays both Arabic numerals and Roman numerals. The display is completed by a set of original, finely cut French steel hands, which sit over the dial surface. The aesthetic of the case and dial is reported to retain its original finish.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original convex enamel dial”
  • “Classical scrolling bronze ormolu case”
  • “Loving couple painted case”
  • “Original finish to the case”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is driven by a French 8-day movement designed for gong striking. The mechanism incorporates a platform escapement to regulate the timekeeping function.

The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced by the retailer and is currently in working order. The movement is accessed from the rear of the clock case, where the gong assembly is also situated.

Evidence for this section
  • “French 8-day gong striking movement”
  • “Fully serviced platform escapement”
  • “Working order, fully serviced by me at Vintage Clocks”

Attribution and Maintenance

and is assigned the SKU JN21 for reference. The production date is estimated by the seller to be around 1860.

The clock is sold as a fully serviced item, including a winding key for operation. The provided information notes the availability of a video recording showing the clock in operation on the seller's YouTube channel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock is by Vernis Martin”
  • “This clock dates to around 1860”
  • “Comes with winding key”
  • “Video of this clock is on YouTube”

Open research questions

  • What specific marks or signatures on the movement confirm the attribution to Vernis Martin?
  • Does the painted 'loving couple' scene correspond to known decorative motifs used in 19th-century French mantel clocks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Vernis Martin Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVernis Martin“Clock is by Vernis Martin”
Datecirca 1860“This clock dates to around 1860”
MovementFrench 8-day gong striking movement“French 8-day gong striking movement”
EscapementPlatform escapement“Fully serviced platform escapement”
Dimensions38cm high by 19cm wide and 12cm depth“Measures 38cm high by 19cm wide and 12cm depth.”
DialConvex enamel“Original convex enamel dial”
SKUJN21“SKU: JN21”

Visible details

  • Convex enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals
  • Case features painted 'loving couple' scene
  • Gong-striking mechanism with platform escapement
  • Gilded bronze ormolu scrolling mounts

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to maker 'Vernis Martin' is provided by the seller
  • Date of circa 1860 is an approximation

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

Consulted source

Antique Vernis Martin French Painted Boulle Mantel Clock – Circa 1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record deb7e4ff62

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records