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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Jappy Freres Louis XV Style Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This late 19th-century French mantel clock is constructed from gilt and chiseled bronze, standing approximately 15 inches tall. The timepiece is signed by Jappy Freres and features an architectural case characterized by symmetry and classical ornamental motifs. A prominent urn-form crest, accented by foliate scrollwork and a central cherub figure, surmounts the clock. The lower portion of the facade incorporates a lion mask motif surrounded by intricate leaf carvings. The clock face consists of a circular dial with individual enamel Roman numeral cartouches arranged around a pierced gilt center. The timepiece is driven by a mechanical movement and is accompanied by its original winding key and pendulum. Physical condition shows indications of age, specifically oxidation and rubbing to the gilding.

Front view of the gilt and chiseled bronze mantel clock with lion mask and urn crest.
Front view of the gilt and chiseled bronze mantel clock with lion mask and urn crest. — Collective Hudson, LLC, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Jappy Freres
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Late 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 Construction and Ornamentation

The clock is housed in an architectural case fabricated from gilt and chiseled bronze, standing at a height of approximately 15 inches. The design incorporates a symmetrical arrangement of classical motifs, including an urn-form crest as the primary decorative feature at the top. This crest is integrated with elaborate foliate scrollwork and a cherub figure positioned centrally above the dial.

The lower section of the case facade is marked by a prominent lion mask motif set against detailed leaf carvings.

Evidence for this section
  • “featuring an architectural case constructed from gilt and chiseled bronze”
  • “The case is surmounted by a prominent urn-form crest, accented with intricate foliate scrollwork and a central cherub figure.”
  • “The facade includes a detailed lion mask motif nestled within elaborate leaf carvings.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock features a circular dial composed of individual enamel cartouches, each bearing a Roman numeral. The center of the dial is decorated with a pierced gilt element. The timepiece functions via a mechanical movement, although the source does not provide specific details regarding the movement's technical configuration or escapement type.

The piece is sold with its original functional components, specifically the winding key and the pendulum, which are necessary for the clock's operation as a timekeeper.

Evidence for this section
  • “The circular dial is defined by individual enamel Roman numeral cartouches surrounding a pierced gilt center.”
  • “The timepiece is powered by a mechanical movement and is accompanied by its original winding key and pendulum.”

Condition and Attribution

The object is attributed to the late 19th century and is recognized as being in the Louis XVI style. The condition is described as having visible signs of use and age, which are noted as being consistent with the material properties of gilt bronze. These signs include rubbing and oxidation to the metal surfaces.

The record notes that the maker, Jappy Freres, is identified as part of the listing description, though no specific serial or production numbers are provided in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “This late 19th-century French mantel clock is crafted in the Louis XVI style”
  • “Evidence of age-related wear, including minor oxidation and rubbing to the gilding, is present”

Open research questions

  • Are there identifying stamps from Jappy Freres visible on the movement plates?
  • What is the specific provenance of this object beyond its inclusion in the auction listing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jappy Freres Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Height15 inches“Measuring approximately 15 inches in height”
MaterialGilt and chiseled bronze“crafted in the Louis XVI style, featuring an architectural case constructed from gilt and chiseled bronze”
MovementMechanical“The timepiece is powered by a mechanical movement”
MakerJappy Freres“Jappy Freres Louis XVI Style Gilt and Chiseled Bronze Mantel Clock”
OriginFrench“late 19th-century French mantel clock”
ConditionMinor oxidation and rubbing“Evidence of age-related wear, including minor oxidation and rubbing to the gilding, is present”

Visible details

  • Enamel cartouche dial with Roman numerals
  • Central lion mask ornament on the lower case
  • Pierced gilt metal dial center
  • Visible oxidation and wear on metal surfaces

Research qualifications

  • Classification as 'Louis XVI style' remains probabilistic
  • The exact date of manufacture is not specified beyond 'late 19th century'

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

Consulted source

Jappy Freres Louis XVI Style Gilt and Chiseled Bronze Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fb890fb752

Terms in this record

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

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