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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton mantel clock

Gauchet et Fils Directoire Skeleton Portico Clock

Partially verified

This late 18th-century French Directoire skeleton clock is reported by the seller to be signed Gauchet et Fils at Livry. Built in a portico design, the circular movement drum is suspended between two dark columns raised on a stepped rectangular base with gilt friezes and four adjustable feet. A white enamel chapter ring displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes day and planetary symbols, leaving the center open to view the movement. Gilt bronze ornamentation features an upper flower and fruit basket, winged sphinx figures, drapery below the dial, Egyptian female mounts on the column uprights, and a suspended sunburst pendulum.

Directoire skeleton portico clock attributed to Gauchet et Fils, showing dark pillars, Egyptian mounts, and openwork movement.
Directoire skeleton portico clock attributed to Gauchet et Fils, showing dark pillars, Egyptian mounts, and openwork movement. — Antiques Provence / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Gauchet et Fils
Reference
888205
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
End 18th century
Country
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

Architectural Design and Decoration

The clock is built in a portico design, resting on two columns. The decorative scheme includes a gilt bronze floral basket, sphinx figures, and garlands at the top. The base features a frieze and four adjustable feet.

The uprights are decorated with Egyptian female figures and a crown. Below the movement, there is an assembly consisting of a large drapery mount, a central figure, sphinxes, and floral and leaf motifs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Resting on 2 colums : at the top a guilt bronze basket, sphinges and garlands.”
  • “On the front 2 Egyptien women and a crown.”
  • “On the base , a freese and 4 adjustable feet.”
  • “Underthe movment, a large drapingand a figure in the center, 2 sphinges, flowers and leaves.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial features Roman numerals and four needles to indicate hours and days, the latter marked with planetary symbols (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn).

The timepiece is encased with convex and beveled glass on both the front and back.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial in Roman numbers as 4 needles ( hours, days ,with corresponding greek symbols, Sun-Moon-Mars-Mercure-Jupiter-Venus-Saturne )”
  • “The glass front and back are convex and beveled.”

Provenance and Claims

The clock is signed 'Gauchet et Fils at Livry' and is dated by the source to the end of the 18th century.

The seller describes the condition as excellent, specifies that the gilding is original mercury, and reports that the clock is in working condition. These claims are provided by the dealer.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed Gauchet et Fils at Livry.”
  • “Directoire skeleton clock ( end 18th century )”
  • “In good working condition and original mercury gilt”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific movement caliber and escapement type?
  • Is there independent historical documentation confirming a clockmaker named Gauchet et Fils at Livry?
  • What is the specific material composition of the columns?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gauchet et Fils Directoire Skeleton Portico Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureGauchet et Fils at Livry“signed Gauchet et Fils at Livry”
Period StyleDirectoire (end 18th century)“Directoire skeleton clock ( end 18th century )”
Dial DescriptionRoman numerals with 4 hands and planetary/day markings“The dial in Roman numbers as 4 needles ( hours, days ,with corresponding greek symbols, Sun-Moon-Mars-Mercure-Jupiter-Venus-Saturne )”
Column MountsTwo Egyptian female figures“On the front 2 Egyptien women and a crown”
DimensionsHeight 57 cm, Width 32 cm, Depth 11 cm“Width: 32 Height: 57 Depth: 11”
DimensionsHeight: 57, Width: 32, Depth: 11 (units not specified in source)“Width: 32 Height: 57 Depth: 11”
Maker SignatureGauchet et Fils at Livry“signed Gauchet et Fils at Livry”

Visible details

  • White enamel chapter ring with an open center revealing the brass movement train.
  • Dark portico architectural frame flanked by two columns with gilded Egyptian caryatid mounts.
  • Gilded bronze surmount composed of a tall floral basket flanked by winged sphinxes.
  • Suspended pendulum with a cast sunburst mask bob swinging between the pillars.
  • Elaborate pierced gilt drapery mount hung beneath the movement drum.

Research qualifications

  • Movement escapement type and exact caliber specifications are not detailed in the source.
  • Authenticity of original mercury gilding and working condition are based solely on seller claims.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: 18th Century French Skeleton Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 1faf344ea1

Terms in this record

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

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