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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton mantel clock

Leroy Paris Directoire Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

This Directoire period skeleton clock is constructed in chased gilt bronze and measures approximately 39 cm in height and 11 cm in diameter. The movement is signed LeRoy Paris, running for one week and striking on the hour and half-hour. The dial features a white enamel center with Roman numerals, Arabic five-minute markings, and two winding apertures, enclosed by a blue enamel border and an openwork chased gilt bronze ring. The piece is surmounted by a spread-winged eagle above floral swags, and an eagle motif adorns the pendulum within a columned open framework.

Frontal view of the Directoire-style gilt bronze skeleton clock signed LeRoy Paris
Frontal view of the Directoire-style gilt bronze skeleton clock signed LeRoy Paris — Antiquités Decker Mike. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton mantel clock
Maker / attribution
LeRoy Paris
Reference
1767054
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th 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

Identity and Attribution

The object is described in dealer documentation as a 19th-century skeleton clock categorized under the style heading 'Louis 16th, Directory' and described as a 'Directoire period skeleton clock in chased gilt bronze'. The movement is cataloged as signed 'LeRoy Paris'.

Recorded dimensions indicate an approximate height of 39 cm and a diameter of 11 cm. The listing attributes the piece broadly without providing an individual maker biography or distinguishing which of the historical Parisian Le Roy clockmaking workshops produced it.

Evidence for this section
  • “Directoire period skeleton clock in chased gilt bronze.”
  • “Clock movement signed LeRoy Paris”
  • “Period: 19th century”
  • “Style: Louis 16th, Directory”
  • “Height: 39cm”
  • “Diameter: 11cm”

Framework and Dial Composition

Visual observation indicates that the clock is surmounted by a spread-winged gilt bronze eagle crest set above floral swags. Below, a multi-columned gilt framework encloses a suspended circular pendulum bob featuring an eagle motif in relief.

The dial displays a white enamel center signed 'Le Roy à Paris', fitted with two winding apertures, and bordered by a dark blue enamel ring with decorative accents. The listing describes it as a 'White enamel dial (minor restorations to be expected, see photos) with decorated outline.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Surmounted by a spread-winged gilt bronze eagle crest above floral swags.”
  • “The dial features a white enamel center signed 'Le Roy à Paris', twin winding apertures, and an outer dark blue enamel border with gold accents.”
  • “A decorative circular pendulum bob shows an eagle relief suspended inside a multi-columned gilt framework.”
  • “White enamel dial (minor restorations to be expected, see photos) with decorated outline.”

Movement Function and Condition

According to the dealer, the movement runs for 'one week and chimes every hour and a half'. It is cataloged in 'En l'etat' condition with the note: 'Starts, expect small cleaning.' These notes represent dealer statements rather than independent mechanical verification.

Visible physical condition shows prominent hairline cracking and minor enamel damages on the white central dial. The dealer explicitly alerts prospective buyers that minor restorations are to be expected.

Evidence for this section
  • “one week and chimes every hour and a half.”
  • “Starts, expect small cleaning.”
  • “Condition: En l'etat”
  • “Prominent hairline cracking and minor enamel damages are visible on the white central dial.”
  • “White enamel dial (minor restorations to be expected, see photos) with decorated outline.”

Open research questions

  • Does the rear movement plate or countwheel bear specific workshop stamps, serial numbers, or maker initials beyond the dial/movement LeRoy Paris signature?
  • What is the mechanical stability of the visible hairline fractures around the winding arbors on the white enamel dial?
  • Is the chiming train striking on a bell or a coiled gong, and does the movement retain its original escapement and wheelwork?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Leroy Paris Directoire Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureLeRoy Paris“Clock movement signed LeRoy Paris”
Materialchased gilt bronze“chased gilt bronze”
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
Striking Trainchimes every hour and a half“chimes every hour and a half”
Height39cm“Height: 39cm”
Diameter11cm“Diameter: 11cm”
MaterialChased gilt bronze / Bronze“Directoire period skeleton clock in chased gilt bronze.”
Listing ConditionEn l'etat“Condition: En l'etat”
Movement ClaimOne week, chimes hour and half-hour“Clock movement signed LeRoy Paris, one week and chimes every hour and a half.”

Visible details

  • Surmounted by a spread-winged gilt bronze eagle crest above floral swags.
  • The dial features a white enamel center signed 'Le Roy à Paris', twin winding apertures, and an outer dark blue enamel border with gold accents.
  • A decorative circular pendulum bob shows an eagle relief suspended inside a multi-columned gilt framework.
  • Prominent hairline cracking and minor enamel damages are visible on the white central dial.

Research qualifications

  • The seller notes minor dial restorations are needed and visible hairline cracks exist on the enamel.
  • Movement condition is reported as en l'état; it starts but is noted to require cleaning.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Leroy Paris, Directoire Skeleton Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 08eb439eb7

Terms in this record

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

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