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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

French Victorian Sevres ormolu 8 day mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock, dated circa 1850, is constructed with an ormolu case and features applied ceramic panels in a blue and white palette. The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals and gilt hands. The clock houses a French 8-day movement with a bell striking mechanism. The exterior of the clock is decorated with floral and berry motifs and multiple hand-painted panels, including a central scene of figures, smaller portrait medallions, and a figure-topped finial. The overall dimensions of the piece are 52 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 15 cm in depth. The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced, and the clock is in working order, accompanied by a key and a pendulum.

Front view of the French Victorian ormolu mantel clock with hand-painted ceramic panels and cherub finial.
Front view of the French Victorian ormolu mantel clock with hand-painted ceramic panels and cherub finial. — 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 1850
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
2454

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 Decoration

The clock is housed in a bronze ormolu case that exhibits floral and berry ornamentation throughout its structure. The design includes a cherub figure finial located at the apex of the case, supported by a central upright structure framing a portrait medallion. Additional porcelain panels in a blue ground are integrated into the lower and lateral sections, displaying hand-painted floral bouquets, ribbons, and a central vignette depicting two figures in a landscape.

The case is elevated on a decorative base which continues the floral theme. The ormolu surfaces are described as having their original finish, and the construction incorporates vertical flanking columns that support the upper assembly. The overall scale of the clock is substantial, standing 52 cm in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original bronze ormolu case”
  • “The case has superb detail to the ormolu, topped off with a Cherub figure finial.”
  • “Rare hand painted blue sevres panels”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock features a circular white enamel dial calibrated with black Roman numerals for the hours and smaller Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The hands are gilt and formed with a decorative design. The dial is integrated into the central ormolu frame, positioned directly above the lower porcelain scene.

Internally, the timepiece is powered by a French-manufactured 8-day movement equipped with a bell striking mechanism. The auction description states that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently in working order, with the necessary key and pendulum provided for operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hand painted blue and white enamel dial”
  • “Wonderful gilt fur de ley hands”
  • “The movement is original, a French 8 day bell striking movement with a wonderful tick.”

Condition and Attribution

The movement is confirmed as original to the piece and has recently undergone servicing to ensure functionality.

The item is attributed to French production, with stylistic elements and panel decorations described as Sèvres-style. , and the auction description confirms that the finish on the ormolu case remains as it was originally applied, though it does not provide specific manufacturer markings or stamps.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very good condition for age, showing slight signs”
  • “French 8 day bell striking movement”
  • “original finish to the ormolu case.”

Open research questions

  • Does the clock movement bear any specific maker's stamp or hallmark?
  • Are there any hidden inscriptions on the reverse of the porcelain panels identifying the artist or factory?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Victorian Sevres ormolu 8 day mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1850“CA 1850”
Dimensions52 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm“Measures 52cm high by 30cm wide & 15cm deep”
Movement8-day French bell striking“8 Day French bell striking movement”
MaterialBronze ormolu“Original bronze ormolu case”
SKU2454“SKU: 2454”
ConditionServiced and operational“Movement has just been serviced”
AccessoriesKey and pendulum included“Comes with key and pendulum”

Visible details

  • Case features a cherub figure finial
  • Dial includes black Roman numerals and Arabic minute markers
  • Gilt hands with openwork design
  • Blue ground ceramic panels with hand-painted floral and figure motifs

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the factory producing the porcelain panels is not confirmed
  • The provenance and specific history of the clock are not provided

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

Consulted source

Stunning French Victorian Sevres ormolu 8 day mantel Clock – CA 1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e83e853f5e

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

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