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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock depicting George Washington

Partially verified

This mantel clock, held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection (accession number 31.41.1), was produced in Paris by the maker Dubuc (active ca. 1780–1819). Dated to approximately 1815–20, the clock is constructed from gilt bronze and measures 19 x 14 1/8 inches (48.3 x 35.9 cm). The design features a figural element representing George Washington positioned beside the clock housing. The clock face bears the signature 'Dubuc, Rue Michel le Comte No 33, A PARIS'. The base of the unit incorporates a frieze with neoclassical decorative motifs. A prominent gilt eagle, perched atop a globe with the inscription 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', surmounts the clock housing, which also features the engraved inscription 'WASHINGTON, First in WAR, First in PEACE, First in the HEARTS of his COUNTRYMEN'.

Front view of the gilt bronze mantel clock depicting George Washington, attributed to Dubuc, Paris, circa 1815–20.
Front view of the gilt bronze mantel clock depicting George Washington, attributed to Dubuc, Paris, circa 1815–20. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Dubuc
Reference
31.41.1
Catalogue / lot identifier
31.41.1
Source-reported date
1815–20
Source-reported place
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

Construction and Design

The clock is composed of gilt bronze and stands 19 inches high by 14 1/8 inches wide. It features a central rectangular clock housing, to the right of which stands a sculpted figure of George Washington. Surmounting the case is a sculptural representation of an American eagle perched on a globe, which bears the legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

A decorative plaque is situated below the clock dial, featuring the famous inscription regarding Washington's roles in war, peace, and the hearts of his countrymen. The base of the clock is decorated with a central relief panel depicting figures and sits upon four feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt bronze”
  • “19 x 14 1/8 in. (48.3 x 35.9 cm)”

Signatures and Attribution

The clock is signed on the dial, providing details of the maker's location at the time of manufacture. The text reads 'Dubuc, Rue Michel le Comte No 33, A PARIS'. The maker, Dubuc, was active from approximately 1780 to 1819.

The object is attributed to the French market and is presently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of its American Wing collection, acquired via the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1931.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock made by Dubuc (active ca. 1780–1819)”

Institutional Provenance

The clock is officially catalogued by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 31.41.1. It is currently classified within the institution's American Wing. The museum notes that the clock was acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1931.

Additional provenance indicates the clock arrived at the museum following the bequest of Jane E. Andrews, in memory of her husband, William Loring Andrews, in 1930. The record provided by the museum serves as the primary documentation for the object's physical identity and historical context.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 31.41.1.”
  • “Credit line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1931.”
  • “Photograph credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Jane E. Andrews, in memory of her husband, William Loring Andrews, 1930”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type and escapement mechanism utilized in this clock?
  • Are there recorded instances of other Dubuc clocks featuring this specific Washington design that suggest a consistent production series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock depicting George Washington
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDubuc (active ca. 1780–1819)“Clock made by Dubuc (active ca. 1780–1819)”
Date1815–20“1815–20”
MaterialGilt bronze“Gilt bronze”
Museum Number31.41.1“31.41.1”
Dimensions19 x 14 1/8 in. (48.3 x 35.9 cm)“19 x 14 1/8 in. (48.3 x 35.9 cm)”
LocationMade in Paris, France“Made in Paris, France”

Visible details

  • The dial features Roman numerals and two winding holes.
  • The figure of George Washington holds a scroll in his right hand.
  • The clock sits on four feet.
  • A plaque below the clock housing contains the text 'WASHINGTON, First in WAR, First in PEACE, First in the HEARTS of his COUNTRYMEN'.

Research qualifications

  • The wider collectible type, maker attribution, and technical specifications require verification against independent horological references beyond museum records.
  • It is unknown if the movement and case were manufactured by the same workshop or married at a later date.

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

Consulted source

Clock by Dubuc, Made in Paris, France, 1815–20

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c94b042ab3

Terms in this record

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

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