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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Gilt bronze mantel clock 'La Filandeuse'

Partially verified

This 19th-century French mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze and features an allegorical subject known as 'La Filandeuse'. The clock sits on a rectangular base with rounded corners, decorated with cast trophy attributes. Atop the case is a seated, draped female figure portrayed with a spinning distaff. The time is displayed on a 4-inch white enamel dial, which is inscribed with black Roman numerals and Arabic quarter-hour markers. The dial is signed 'A Paris' and fitted with gilt brass hands. The clock is powered by a twin-train movement that utilizes a silk suspension pendulum. It features an external count wheel, allowing the mechanism to strike both the hours and half-hours on a bell mounted behind the movement. The entire assembly measures 42cm in height, 28cm in width, and 12.5cm in depth, and the auction description reports the piece is currently functional in its ticking and striking capabilities.

Gilt bronze mantel clock depicting 'La Filandeuse' with a female figure and decorative trophy motifs on the base.
Gilt bronze mantel clock depicting 'La Filandeuse' with a female figure and decorative trophy motifs on the base. — Bonhams / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206932737
Source-reported date
19th century
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

Case and Dial

The clock is housed in a gilt bronze case characterized by its 19th-century French aesthetic. The primary decorative element is a seated, draped female figure positioned atop the central clock housing, representing the 'La Filandeuse' motif. The case itself stands on a rectangular base with rounded angles, which is further adorned with cast trophy attributes, contributing to the decorative scheme of the piece.

The timekeeping display consists of a 4-inch white enamel dial. This dial is marked with black Roman numerals to indicate the hours, complemented by Arabic numeral markers for the quarter-hour intervals. The dial bears the signature 'A Paris', and the time is indicated by a pair of gilt brass hands. The overall design integrates the movement housing with the figurative sculpture.

Evidence for this section
  • “The shaped case surmounted by a seated draped female figure, on a rectangular base with rounded angles and cast trophy attributes”
  • “the 4 inch white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Arabic quarter hour markers signed A Paris with gilt brass hands”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by a twin-train movement, allowing for both the timekeeping and striking functions. The striking mechanism is controlled by an external count wheel, which regulates the striking of the hours and the half-hours. The sound is produced by a polished bell, which is mounted at the rear of the movement.

The oscillation of the movement is regulated by a silk suspension pendulum, a traditional method of attachment that provides a specific aesthetic and mechanical character to the clock. According to the report provided by the auction house, the movement is currently in working order, as it is noted to be both ticking and striking as expected for this type of mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “the twin train movement with external count wheel striking the hours and half hours on a polished bell mounted behind with silk suspension pendulum”
  • “currently ticking and striking”

Identification and Documentation

The object is identified as a 19th-century French gilt bronze mantel clock, with the specific subject titled 'La Filandeuse'. It is recorded under the auction-house identifier 206932737. The source documents the physical dimensions as 42cm high by 28cm wide and 12.5cm deep, provided in the context of an auction listing.

As no specific maker's mark beyond 'A Paris' is cited, the attribution remains general. The information provided is based on the auction house description. No additional catalogue references or historical literature have been provided to further detail the provenance or specific manufacturing origin beyond the generic national attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 19th century French gilt bronze mantel clock depicting 'La Filandeuse'”
  • “Listing object ID 206932737”

Open research questions

  • Who is the specific horologist or workshop behind the 'A Paris' signature?
  • Does the 'La Filandeuse' casting match identified models from known 19th-century bronziers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt bronze mantel clock 'La Filandeuse'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgilt bronze“gilt bronze”
Dimensions42cm high, 28cm wide, 12.5cm deep“42cm high, 28cm wide, 12.5cm deep”
Dial signatureA Paris“signed A Paris”
Movement typetwin train with external count wheel“the twin train movement with external count wheel”
Suspensionsilk suspension“silk suspension pendulum”
Strikinghours and half hours“striking the hours and half hours”
Dating19th century“19th century”

Visible details

  • Seated female figure with distaff
  • Enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • External count wheel movement
  • Gilt brass hands

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not explicitly identified beyond the inscription 'A Paris'
  • Subject attribution is based on auction-house classification

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

Consulted source

Pendule de cheminée en bronze doré figurant 'La Filandeuse'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ac19cba545

Terms in this record

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

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