Clock · Mantel clock with side pieces (garniture)

Japy Fréres & Cie Clock with Garniture

Partially verified

This mantel clock set, attributed to the manufacturer Japy Fréres & Cie, dates to the second half of the 19th century. , including a base and entablature adorned with acanthus leaf decoration. The top of the case is surmounted by a sculptural group consisting of an antique-style female figure holding grapes and a companion putto. Below the dial, a stone insert is incorporated into the casing. The black stone dial displays Roman numerals in a gold-coloured finish, although the inscription is rubbed and illegible. The timepiece is driven by a round brass plate movement, utilizing a pendulum on a spring suspension and a key-winding mechanism. It strikes on a bell at the hour and half-hour. The set includes two matching amphora-shaped side pieces. The total combined weight of the three-piece set is approximately 16.3 kilograms.

The mantel clock set, comprising a central clock with a figurative top and two matching side amphorae. — Auktionshaus Sieglin GmbH (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Clock · Mantel clock with side pieces (garniture)
Maker / attribution: Japy Fréres & Cie
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 239
Source-reported date: second half of the 19th century
Source-reported place: France
Source-reported serial: 366 52 1

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 Aesthetics

The clock case is constructed from metal and shaped in a curved design influenced by Baroque styling. The structure incorporates an ornamental base and an entablature featuring detailed acanthus leaf decoration. A notable feature of the upper casing is a figurative sculpture depicting an antique-style female figure holding grapes, accompanied by a putto. Below the clock face, a stone insert is present.

Accompanying the clock are two amphora-shaped side pieces, often referred to as beisteller. These side pieces share the same metal construction and aesthetic design language as the primary clock case, including decorative bases.

Evidence for this section

“Geschwungener Metallkorpus im Barockstil mit verspielter Basis und Gebälk mit Akanthusblattdekor, gekrönt von antikisierender, weiblicher Figur mit Trauben, begleitet durch Putto.”
“Unter dem Ziffernblatt Steineinsatz.”
“Anbei zwei amphorenförmige Beisteller mit je einer Brennstelle.”

Movement and Dial

The timepiece features a black stone dial integrated with gold-coloured Roman numerals to denote the hours. The dial bears an inscription, though it is currently rubbed and considered illegible. The clock is powered by a round brass plate movement.

Functional mechanisms include a pendulum mounted on a spring suspension system and a key-winding arrangement. The clock is designed to strike on a bell, marking both the full hour and the half-hour. The manufacturer's mark and the serial numbering 366 52 1 are located on the movement plate.

Evidence for this section

“Schwarzes Steinziffernblatt mit goldfarbenen, römischen Stundenzahlen, unleserlich bezeichnet (berieben).”
“Rundes Messingplatinenwerk mit Pendel an Federaufhängung, Schlüsselaufzug und Schlag zur vollen und halben Stunde auf Glocke.”
“Auf der Platine mit Herstellerpunze und Nummerierung 366 52 1.”

Condition and Function

The auction description indicates that the clock is currently operational, noting that it starts upon handling and the striking mechanism triggers as intended. The items are sold in the condition shown in the provided photographs.

Due to the nature of the lot, shipping is not provided, and the auction house suggests the use of a third-party forwarding agency for transport.

Evidence for this section

“Läuft an, Schlag löst aus.”
“Zustand wie abgebildet, bitte selbst besichtigen.”
“Kein Versand möglich, wir empfehlen gerne eine Spedition.”

Open research questions

What is the specific material used for the metal body (e.g., bronze, brass, or spelter)?
What was the original text of the inscription on the dial before it became illegible?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Japy Fréres & Cie Clock with Garniture
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Japy Fréres & Cie	“Japy Fréres & Cie”
Date	Second half of the 19th century	“zweite Hälfte 19. Jh.”
Country	France	“Frankreich”
Serial Number	366 52 1	“366 52 1”
Dimensions	Clock: 44 x 18 x 65 cm; Side pieces: 18 x 14 x 52 cm	“Größe der Uhr ca. 44 x 18 cm, Höhe ca. 65 cm, Größe der Beisteller ca. 18 x 14 cm, Höhe ca. 52 cm”
Total Weight	16.3 kg	“Gesamtgewicht ca. 16,3 kg”

Visible details

The dial is black stone with gold Roman numerals.
The sculptural top features a female figure with grapes and a putto.
The set includes two amphora-shaped side pieces.
The clock movement is a round brass plate type.

Research qualifications

The inscription on the dial is rubbed and rendered illegible.
The auction description does not confirm the material composition of the metal case beyond being metallic.

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

Consulted source

Kapitale Pendule mit Beistellern

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 300e5e519a

Terms in this record

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