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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Victorian Mantel Clock with Sevres Panels

Partially verified

This is a French Victorian-era mantel clock with an eight-day, bell-striking movement. The clock is housed in a bronze ormolu case featuring a Sevres finial at the top. The dial is enameled in blue and white and features hand-painted bird motifs and gold spade-style steel hands. The case includes inset panels decorated with hand-painted scenes, including one depicting a mother combing her daughter's hair. The clock measures 42 cm in height, 20 cm in width, and 15 cm in depth. , and the clock is accompanied by its winding key and pendulum. The object is attributed to the French Victorian period with an approximate date of 1870.

Front view of the French mantel clock showing the enamel dial, Sevres-style panels, and bronze ormolu ornamentation.
Front view of the French mantel clock showing the enamel dial, Sevres-style panels, and bronze ormolu ornamentation. — 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
Jn108
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
16385

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 Design

The clock is contained within an original bronze ormolu case, which is finished in a decorative Victorian style. The structure is capped by a decorative finial described as a Sevres finial. The dial is crafted from blue and white enamel and features a hand-painted depiction of birds in flight. The time is indicated by gold-colored steel hands in a spade shape.

The case incorporates several inset painted panels. One panel features a narrative scene of a mother combing her daughter's hair, while another visible panel shows a landscape with a windmill. The ormolu is sculpted with elaborate details, including masks and decorative scrollwork.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original bronze ormolu case”
  • “Hand painted blue and white enamel dial”
  • “Rare hand painted blue sevres panels”
  • “Sevres finial to the top”

Movement and Mechanics

The mechanism is accessed via a rear door in the clock casing. The movement plate is visible upon inspection of the back of the case, which bears the number 16385 alongside an engraved mark or signature.

According to the provided information, the movement has recently undergone servicing and is currently in working order. The timekeeping mechanism is intended to be used with the included pendulum and winding key provided by the seller.

Evidence for this section
  • “Day French bell striking movement”
  • “Movement has just been serviced”
  • “Comes with key and pendulum”

Condition and Dimensions

The clock measures 42 cm in height, 20 cm in width, and 15 cm in depth. The seller reports that the item is in very good condition for its age. While the original finish is preserved on the bronze ormolu case, the seller indicates the presence of slight signs of age and suggests that viewers examine the photographs provided to satisfy themselves with the condition.

The clock is functional and is sold as being in working order, having been maintained for continued use.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very good condition for age, showing slight signs”
  • “Measures 42cm high by 20cm wide & 15cm deep”
  • “Original finish”
  • “Working order”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the movement manufacturer associated with the mark on the back plate?
  • Does the serial number 16385 correspond to a specific French clockmaking register from circa 1870?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Victorian Mantel Clock with Sevres Panels
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Type8-day French bell striking movement“Day French bell striking movement”
Dimensions42cm x 20cm x 15cm“Measures 42cm high by 20cm wide & 15cm deep”
Case MaterialBronze ormolu“Original bronze ormolu case”
Dial FeaturesHand painted blue and white enamel with birds“Hand painted blue and white enamel dial”
ConditionWorking order, serviced“Movement has just been serviced”
Included AccessoriesKey and pendulum“Comes with key and pendulum”

Visible details

  • The dial features bird imagery and spade-shaped steel hands
  • A circular movement plate is visible behind the clock door
  • Inset panels depict a landscape scene with a windmill and a figurative scene of a mother and daughter

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the movement maker is not provided in the source despite the stamp
  • The specific origin of the porcelain panels remains unverified beyond the description of 'Sevres'

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

Consulted source

Stunning French Victorian Blue Sevres Ormolu 8-day mantel Clock – CA 1870

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4bdb0b744c

Terms in this record

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

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