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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Louis XV gilt-bronze and porcelain mantel clock

Partially verified

This Louis XV mantel clock, attributed to Gille L'Ainé, Paris, dates to approximately 1750. The timepiece is housed in a gilt-bronze case featuring a waisted form, decorated with rocaille, foliage, and C-scroll motifs. The case stands on four scroll feet and is pierced, with the openings backed by red silk. The clock is additionally ornamented with porcelain flowers supported on green-painted tole stems. The enameled dial displays both Roman numerals and Arabic minute chapters, with gilt fleur-de-lis accents placed between the hours. The dial is signed "GILLE L'AINE / A PARIS." The clock is provided with its original key and pendulum. It measures 20-1/2 inches in height, 16-1/4 inches in width, and 5-1/2 inches in depth. According to the auction description, the porcelain dial features minor chips, and the tole elements exhibit some paint loss.

Front view of the gilt-bronze and porcelain mantel clock.
Front view of the gilt-bronze and porcelain mantel clock. — New Orleans Auction Galleries, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Gille L'Ainé
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1750
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 contained within a waisted gilt-bronze case of French manufacture. The surface is adorned with rocaille, foliage, and C-scroll motifs, which are characteristic features of the mid-18th-century design. The case structure is pierced, allowing for a contrasting backdrop of red silk. Four scroll feet provide stability and base support for the ornate frame.

Additional decoration is provided by porcelain flowers, which are mounted on green-painted tole stems. These elements extend from the bronze case to surround the central dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The body is characterized by elaborate rocaille, foliage, and C-scroll motifs, standing on four elegant scroll feet.”
  • “The pierced structure is backed with red silk and further embellished with vibrant porcelain flowers mounted on green tole stems.”

Dial and Timekeeping Components

The enameled dial of the clock is inscribed with the signature of the maker, "GILLE L'AINE / A PARIS." The time is indicated by both Roman numerals and Arabic minute chapters. Gilt fleur-de-lis accents are positioned between each hour, providing additional visual detail to the dial face.

The movement is accompanied by its original key and pendulum, which are included as part of the set. The auction description notes specific imperfections, including minor chips observed on the porcelain dial around the winding porthole and in proximity to the numerical chapters.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is inscribed with the maker's signature, "GILLE L'AINE / A PARIS.”
  • “The timepiece comes complete with its original key and pendulum.”
  • “the porcelain dial shows minor chips around the winding porthole and near the numerical chapters”

Reported Condition

The auction description provides details regarding the current condition of the object's external decorative elements. While the porcelain flowers remain intact as a group, the supporting green-painted tole stems show visible signs of paint loss, described as consistent with the age of the piece.

Further wear is documented on the dial, which exhibits minor chips. These areas of loss are localized to the perimeter of the winding porthole and the regions near the Arabic and Roman numeral markers.

Evidence for this section
  • “While the flowers remain intact, the porcelain dial shows minor chips around the winding porthole and near the numerical chapters, and the green stems show light signs of paint loss consistent with age.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical type or escapement used within the Gille L'Ainé movement?
  • Are there archival records linking this specific case design to the workshop of Gille L'Ainé or a contemporary bronzier?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XV gilt-bronze and porcelain mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGille L'Ainé“GILLE L'AINE / A PARIS”
Datingcirca 1750“crafted in Paris circa 1750”
Dimensions20-1/2 x 16-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches“20-1/2 inches in height, 16-1/4 inches in width, and 5-1/2 inches in depth”
Materialsgilt-bronze, porcelain, tole, silk“gilt-bronze, porcelain, tole, silk”
Dial detailsRoman and Arabic chapters with fleur-de-lis“The enameled dial is marked with Roman numerals and Arabic chapters, accented by a gilt fleur-de-lis between each hour.”
ConditionMinor damage noted“porcelain dial shows minor chips around the winding porthole and near the numerical chapters, and the green stems show light signs of paint loss”

Visible details

  • Case features openwork design backed by red fabric
  • Porcelain flowers on metal stems frame the dial
  • Gilt-bronze case has four scroll-form feet
  • Dial includes Roman and Arabic numeral markers

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance is not established by the record
  • The attribution to Gille L'Ainé relies upon the dial signature
  • Condition of internal movement is not specified

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

Consulted source

Louis XV gilt-bronze and porcelain mantel clock by Gille L'Ainé, Paris

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a26776369e

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records