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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Late Victorian Mantel Clock by Richard et Compagnie

Partially verified

This late Victorian mantel clock features an ogee-shaped mahogany case decorated with boxwood and ebony string inlay. The design incorporates brass columns at the front corners and stands on brass bracket feet. The white enamel dial, measuring 3.5 inches in diameter, displays black Roman numerals and a minute track with fifteen-minute markers. The dial is signed with the retailer's name, "Depree & Young Ltd Exeter," and includes black metal hands. The clock is powered by an eight-day French mechanical movement by Richard et Compagnie, equipped with a lever escapement. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced and overhauled. The clock is provided with its winding key and is described as being in good working order. The overall aesthetic is defined by the contrast between the dark mahogany and the gilt brass fittings.

A frontal view of the late Victorian mantel clock featuring a mahogany case with boxwood and ebony inlay and a 3.5-inch white enamel dial.
A frontal view of the late Victorian mantel clock featuring a mahogany case with boxwood and ebony inlay and a 3.5-inch white enamel dial. — Zamanito / Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Richard et Compagnie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880–1901
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 Design

The wood surface is embellished with fine string inlay crafted from boxwood and ebony, providing geometric contrast against the mahogany grain. The front corners are flanked by applied brass columns, adding structural definition to the silhouette, while the base is supported by brass bracket feet.

The 3.5-inch white enamel dial features black Roman numerals and a minute track, complete with markers at fifteen-minute intervals. The dial includes the inscription "Depree & Young Ltd Exeter," identifying the local retailer. A gilt brass bezel holds the glass, completing the aesthetic profile of the clock face.

Evidence for this section
  • “قابی قوس‌دار (Ogee) از جنس چوب ماهون با تزئینات معرق‌کاری نواری ظریف از چوب شمشاد و آبنوس است.”
  • “در گوشه‌های نمای جلویی قاب، ستون‌های برنجی تعبیه شده و ساعت بر روی پایه‌های براکتی برنجی استوار است.”
  • “بر روی صفحه، نام جواهرفروشان و خرده‌فروشان محلی در اکستر انگلستان، یعنی «Depree & Young Ltd Exeter» درج شده است”

Movement and Functionality

The clock is powered by an eight-day mechanical movement manufactured by the French firm Richard et Compagnie. This movement utilizes a lever escapement for timekeeping. It is designed to function for eight days per winding cycle, a standard duration for mantel clocks of this type.

According to the provided information, the movement has undergone a complete service and overhaul to ensure it remains in working order. The clock is accompanied by its original winding key to facilitate operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “یک نمونه فرانسوی ۸ روزه ساخت شرکت Richard et Compagnie بوده که به چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی (Lever Escapement) مجهز است.”
  • “طبق توضیحات فروشنده، این موتور سرویس کامل و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد مناسب و آماده استفاده قرار دارد.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description reports that the clock is in very good condition. The white enamel dial is noted as being without defects, and the gilt finish on the brass bezel is maintained in excellent condition. The mahogany case and brass elements are presented as intact.

Collectors are advised to verify the authenticity of the clock by examining the hallmarks on the rear of the movement. Documentation regarding the specific serial numbers or the Richard et Compagnie trademark on the movement plate is suggested for further confirmation of the clock's origins and internal consistency.

Evidence for this section
  • “از نظر وضعیت کلی، طبق منبع ساعت در شرایط بسیار خوب و عالی ارزیابی شده است؛ لعاب صفحه بدون نقص گزارش شده”
  • “خریداران و مجموعه‌داران می‌توانند اصالت حک‌های پشت موتور و همخوانی شماره‌ها یا علامت تجاری Richard et Compagnie را در نمای پشتی دستگاه بررسی نمایند.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for movements signed by Richard et Compagnie during the late 19th century?
  • Do the internal hallmarks correspond to a specific factory site for Richard et Compagnie?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Late Victorian Mantel Clock by Richard et Compagnie
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard et Compagnie“موتور ساعت طبق منبع یک نمونه فرانسوی ۸ روزه ساخت شرکت Richard et Compagnie بوده”
RetailerDepree & Young Ltd Exeter“بر روی صفحه، نام جواهرفروشان و خرده‌فروشان محلی در اکستر انگلستان، یعنی «Depree & Young Ltd Exeter» درج شده است”
Case materialsMahogany, boxwood, ebony“قابی قوس‌دار (Ogee) از جنس چوب ماهون با تزئینات معرق‌کاری نواری ظریف از چوب شمشاد و آبنوس است.”
Movement typeFrench 8-day mechanical, lever escapement“یک نمونه فرانسوی ۸ روزه ساخت شرکت Richard et Compagnie بوده که به چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی (Lever Escapement) مجهز است.”
Dial diameter3.5 inches“صفحه ساعت با قطر ۳.۵ اینچ از جنس لعاب سفید (میناکاری) ساخته شده”
Overall dimensions19cm x 16cm x 10cm“ابعاد ساعت: ارتفاع ۱۹ سانتی‌متر × عرض ۱۶ سانتی‌متر × عمق ۱۰ سانتی‌متر”
Service statusServiced and overhauled“طبق توضیحات فروشنده، این موتور سرویس کامل و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد مناسب و آماده استفاده قرار دارد.”

Visible details

  • Ogee-shaped mahogany case with boxwood and ebony inlay
  • Retailer signature 'Depree & Young Ltd Exeter' on dial
  • Gilt brass bezel surrounding the white enamel dial
  • Brass columns and bracket feet

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the internal movement components beyond the reported service
  • Verification of internal marks on the back of the movement

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

Consulted source

A Late Victorian Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 05efc226df

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

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