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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French gilt bronze mantel clock attributed to Japy Frères and retailed by Tiffany & Co. is dated by the auction house to the 20th century. Constructed with glazed side panels within a rectangular gilt bronze frame, the case is embellished with rhinestone borders along its upper and lower moldings, corner stiles, and bezel. The circular bronze face features black painted Arabic numerals and twin winding squares. Suspended beneath is a pendulum incorporating a circular miniature portrait of a maiden, reported as signed Nelly, framed by an additional rhinestone bezel.

Front view of Japy Frères gilt bronze mantel clock with rhinestone trim and portrait pendulum
Front view of Japy Frères gilt bronze mantel clock with rhinestone trim and portrait pendulum — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Japy Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
87
Source-reported date
20th 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

Case Structure and Decorative Mounts

The mantel clock is constructed with a rectangular glazed case featuring gilt bronze upper and lower stepped plinths. The auction catalogue records overall dimensions of 12 1/4 inches high, 6 1/2 inches wide, and 5 1/2 inches deep.

The decorative treatment incorporates multiple bands of clear rhinestones. In addition to the catalogue's note that the case is trimmed in rhinestones, direct visual inspection shows faceted clear rhinestones edging the case moldings, vertical corner stiles, circular dial bezel, and pendulum rim.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular glazed case with gilt bronze upper and lower stepped plinths.”
  • “case ht. 12 1/4, wd. 6 1/2, dp. 5 1/2 in”
  • “trimmed in rhinestones”
  • “Multiple bands of faceted clear rhinestones trim the case moldings, stiles, dial bezel, and pendulum rim.”

Dial and Pendulum Assembly

The clock features a bronze dial face marked with black painted Arabic numerals and an open, pierced central decoration. Two winding arbors flank the center for key winding.

Suspended inside the glazed compartment is a circular pendulum bob. According to the auction listing, this bob displays a circular miniature portrait medallion of a maiden reported as signed 'Nelly'.

Evidence for this section
  • “the rectangular case with black painted numerals to a bronze face”
  • “Bronze dial ring with painted Arabic numerals and pierced center decoration, flanked by two winding arbors.”
  • “the pendulum with circular portrait medallion of a maiden, signed Nelly”

Attribution and Source Evidence

The auction entry dates the mantel clock to the 20th century in France, attributes the maker as Japy Frères, and states that it was retailed by Tiffany & Co. However, physical maker stamps, serial numbers, and retailer engravings are not legible in the provided photograph and rely entirely on the auction house description.

Movement specifications—including power reserve duration, escapement type, and striking configuration—are not recorded in the published source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, France, 20th century,”
  • “retailed by Tiffany & Co.”

Open research questions

  • Where are the Japy Frères manufacturer stamps and Tiffany & Co. retailer signatures placed on the case, dial, or movement plates?
  • What specific medium is used for the maiden portrait medallion signed 'Nelly' on the pendulum bob?
  • What are the mechanical movement specifications, such as escapement type, strike train configuration, and running duration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJapy Frères“Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock”
RetailerTiffany & Co.“retailed by Tiffany & Co.”
Country and dateFrance, 20th century“France, 20th century”
Pendulum descriptionPortrait medallion signed Nelly“the pendulum with circular portrait medallion of a maiden, signed Nelly”
Dimensions12 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.“case ht. 12 1/4, wd. 6 1/2, dp. 5 1/2 in”
Realized priceUS$1,024 inc. premium“Sold for US$1,024 inc. premium”
Auction title and datesEuropean Decor and Design Featuring Fine Paintings, 9 – 19 March 2026“European Decor and Design Featuring Fine Paintings 9 – 19 March 2026, 12:00 EDT”

Visible details

  • Rectangular glazed case with gilt bronze upper and lower stepped plinths.
  • Multiple bands of faceted clear rhinestones trim the case moldings, stiles, dial bezel, and pendulum rim.
  • Bronze dial ring with painted Arabic numerals and pierced center decoration, flanked by two winding arbors.
  • Circular pendulum bob featuring a portrait medallion of a maiden.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement signature and Tiffany & Co. retailer markings are not directly legible in the photograph and rely on auction catalog description.
  • Proposed caution claimed 'Photo 1 shows the clock without the pendulum attached', which is incorrect as the pendulum is visibly mounted.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Skinner : Japy Frères Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, France, 20th century,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e2a78396b7

Terms in this record

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

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