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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Miniature mantel clock

Gilded Bronze Cupid and Time Miniature Clock

Partially verified

This miniature fire-gilt bronze clock depicts Cupid carrying the figure of Time across an oval base supported on turned feet. According to the seller, these small clocks were termed 'Petits' as miniature versions of period table clocks. The listing states the movement was derived from a pocket watch caliber featuring a verge escapement and fusee winding. The case front exhibits draped fabric surrounding the dial, while the plinth is decorated with floral garland reliefs.

Front three-quarter view of the gilded bronze miniature clock with Cupid carrying Time
Front three-quarter view of the gilded bronze miniature clock with Cupid carrying Time — Chairish. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Miniature mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
34137156
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Visual Description

The object is a miniature clock composed of fire-gilt bronze. The sculptural design depicts Cupid carrying a figure described as Time on his back. The clock face is a circular white enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands.

The case features draped fabric elements around the dial and an oval plinth decorated with relief foliate swags, supported by turned feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “A rare and exquisite miniature clock in fire-gilt bronze, depicting Cupid carrying Time on his back”
  • “Circular white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands”
  • “Oval plinth decorated with relief foliate swags, resting on turned feet”

Mechanical Specifications

According to the seller, the movement is derived from a pocket watch caliber. The mechanism is reported to feature a verge escapement and fusee winding.

The seller reports the movement has been serviced and is in working order; however, these internal mechanisms are not visible for verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement, necessarily small, was derived from a pocket watch caliber, as in this case, with a verge escapement and fusee winding”
  • “The movement has been serviced and is in working order”

Attribution and Classification

The seller categorizes these items as 'Petits,' described as miniature versions of period table clocks. The country of origin is stated as France by the seller.

The item is listed as vintage or antique, but no specific production date is provided. No physical marks of origin or maker's signature are noted in the provided source information.

Evidence for this section
  • “These refined small clocks, known as "Petits," were miniature versions of the large table clocks of the period”
  • “Country of Origin France”
  • “Item Type Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned”

Open research questions

  • Are there physical markings or hallmarks on the movement or case that correlate with the seller's attribution to France?
  • Does the 'Cupid and Time' motif appear in recognized records of 18th or 19th-century French miniature clocks?
  • What specific horological criteria define the 'Petits' classification referenced by the seller?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilded Bronze Cupid and Time Miniature Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Escapement and windingVerge escapement with fusee winding“with a verge escapement and fusee winding”
Caliber originPocket watch caliber“derived from a pocket watch caliber”
Metric dimensions28 × 16 × 10 cm“28 × 16 × 10 cm”
MaterialFire-gilt bronze“fire-gilt bronze”
Country of originFrance“Country of Origin France”
Dimensions28 x 16 x 10 cm“Dimensions: 28 × 16 × 10 cm”

Visible details

  • Circular white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands
  • Gilt bronze sculptural figure of winged Cupid carrying drapery and an ouroboros bezel frame on an oval plinth
  • Oval plinth decorated with relief foliate swags, resting on turned feet

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber, verge escapement, and fusee mechanism are source-reported and not visible in the provided photograph
  • Specific production date is not provided beyond antique or vintage classification
  • Country of origin (France) is stated by seller but not independently verified on the case or dial

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

Consulted source

Gilded Bronze Cupid and Time Miniature Clock | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ecb7a5e6c6

Terms in this record

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