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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Figural mantel clock

Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this nineteenth-century French gilt bronze figural mantel clock is composed of classical figures seated upon a naturalistic base above a central circular dial. The dial features a white face with black Roman numerals. The entire sculpture rests upon a casket-shaped base fashioned from marble and bronze with scroll feet. The source notes that the clock is stamped 'Medaille D'Argent'. The overall structure measures 30 1/2 inches in height and 24 inches in length.

Front view of the French gilt bronze and marble figural mantel clock
Front view of the French gilt bronze and marble figural mantel clock — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Figural mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
6
Source-reported date
19th 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

Figural Group and Sculptural Form

The upper section of the clock features a figural group cast in gilt bronze and placed on a naturalistic mound. The auction entry catalogues the lot as being "set with classical figures on a naturalistic base". Directly observed on the front, a classical male figure holding an upright torch sits alongside a seated draped female figure above the clock housing.

The source documents the overall dimensions of the sculpture as "ht. 30 1/2, lg. 24 in". The figures are arranged in an interactive classical pose, flanking the circular movement drum set beneath them.

Evidence for this section
  • “set with classical figures on a naturalistic base”
  • “A classical male figure holding an upright torch sits alongside a seated draped female figure.”
  • “ht. 30 1/2, lg. 24 in”

Dial and Base Architecture

Positioned centrally beneath the sculptural group is the time display, documented in the catalogue as a "central white dial having black Roman numerals". Observation of the clock shows that a circular clock dial with Roman numerals and winding arbors is set below the figures within an ornate gilt-bronze bezel.

The entire assembly rests on a lower plinth recorded in the catalogue as a "casket shaped marble and bronze base". Visual inspection confirms that the casket-shaped base features veined marble panels set into cast gilt-bronze borders with leaf moulding, supported on scroll feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “central white dial having black Roman numerals”
  • “A circular clock dial with Roman numerals and winding arbors is set below the figures within an ornate gilt-bronze bezel.”
  • “casket shaped marble and bronze base”
  • “The casket-shaped base features veined marble panels set into cast gilt-bronze borders with leaf moulding, supported on scroll feet.”

Markings and Horological Documentation

The catalogue description dates and locates the piece to "France, 19th century" and notes that it is "stamped Medaille D'Argent". The listing does not transcribe an accompanying clockmaker or foundry name, patent date, or movement serial number.

Internal movement details, escapement design, pendulum assembly, and striking mechanics are not recorded in this source. Whether the movement is original, complete, or functional cannot be verified from the listing alone.

Evidence for this section
  • “France, 19th century”
  • “stamped Medaille D'Argent”

Open research questions

  • Which movement maker or foundry is associated with the 'Medaille D'Argent' stamp on the clock?
  • What specific type and origin of marble is used in the panels of the casket-shaped base?
  • Does the movement retain its original pendulum, bell, and suspension assembly, and what striking mechanism is employed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginFrance, 19th century“France, 19th century”
DialCentral white dial with black Roman numerals“central white dial having black Roman numerals”
Base constructionCasket shaped marble and bronze base“casket shaped marble and bronze base”
MarkingsStamped Medaille D'Argent“stamped Medaille D'Argent”
DimensionsHeight 30 1/2 inches, length 24 inches“ht. 30 1/2, lg. 24 in”

Visible details

  • A classical male figure holding an upright torch sits alongside a seated draped female figure.
  • A circular clock dial with Roman numerals and winding arbors is set below the figures within an ornate gilt-bronze bezel.
  • The casket-shaped base features veined marble panels set into cast gilt-bronze borders with leaf moulding, supported on scroll feet.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement details, escapement type, and full maker signatures are not documented in the listing.
  • The specific manufacturer award represented by the 'Medaille D'Argent' stamp is not identified.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Skinner : Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, France, 19th century,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3176eedbea

Terms in this record

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

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