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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Louis XVI Magic Lantern mantel clock

Partially verified

This Louis XVI period mantel clock, dated by the dealer to circa 1780, is crafted in bronze and depicts a magic lantern theme. The central rectangular clock case rests on a pedestal with an architectural lantern-style chimney finial, flanked by sculpted figures of a showman leaning against the case and an assistant or child. The circular white enamel dial features Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute markings, and a winding aperture near the six o'clock position. The clock assembly is set upon a plinth incorporating a pierced gilt balustrade and a white marble base supported by turned feet.

Frontal view of the gilt-bronze Louis XVI magic lantern mantel clock flanked by two decorative candlesticks
Frontal view of the gilt-bronze Louis XVI magic lantern mantel clock flanked by two decorative candlesticks — Dr Jansen Kunsthandel / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1449153
Catalogue / lot identifier
Inv.No.4.001
Source-reported date
Circa 1780
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

Composition and Sculptural Iconography

The mantel clock is listed in bronze and styled around a magic lantern theme. Visible examination shows that the central clock case takes the form of a magic lantern projector fitted with a chimney-like cap at the top. The case is flanked by two sculpted figures: an adult showman on the right leaning against the lantern housing and a child figure on the left holding an object.

The stepped base incorporates a pierced gilt-bronze gallery and a white marble plinth resting on turned toupie feet. In dealer photography, two flanking gilt candlesticks appear alongside the clock; these are display items not described as part of the clock lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “The central bronze clock case is shaped like a magic lantern projector with a top chimney-like cap.”
  • “The sculpted figures depict an adult showman on the right leaning on the lantern housing and a child figure on the left holding an object.”
  • “The stepped base features a pierced gilt-bronze gallery and a white marble plinth resting on turned toupie feet.”
  • “Two flanking gilt candlesticks shown in the image are display items not described as part of the clock lot.”

Dial and Movement Details

The clock displays time via a white enamel dial set into the central housing. Direct observation notes black Roman numerals for the hours, outer Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals, and a winding aperture located in the lower sector near the six o'clock position.

Technical movement specifications—such as escapement, caliber, or maker signatures—are not recorded in the source. The dealer notes only that "The movement has been checked and cleaned by my watch restorer."

Evidence for this section
  • “A white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for hours and Arabic five-minute numerals along the outer perimeter.”
  • “A winding aperture is visible in the lower dial sector near the six o'clock mark.”
  • “The movement has been checked and cleaned by my watch restorer.”

Attribution and Literature Reference

The source classifies the piece as an "Extremely rare Louis XVI magic lantern clock" under "Style: Louis 16th, Directory" and dates it to "Circa 1780" within the 18th century. Its listed height is 38 cm.

For comparative reference, the listing cites literature: "See the Encyclopedia of the French Clock by Pierre Kjellberg, Paris 1997, p.277". No specific maker, foundry mark, or provenance details are recorded in the dealer's text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Extremely rare Louis XVI magic lantern clock”
  • “Circa 1780. H. 38 cm”
  • “Style: Louis 16th, Directory”
  • “See the Encyclopedia of the French Clock by Pierre Kjellberg, Paris 1997, p.277”

Open research questions

  • What specific maker or foundry signatures, if any, appear on the movement backplate or the bronze casting?
  • Does page 277 of Pierre Kjellberg's Encyclopedia of the French Clock (Paris 1997) document this specific model or identify its original bronzier?
  • Does the single winding aperture at 6 o'clock reflect a timepiece-only movement or a specialized striking mechanism configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XVI Magic Lantern mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
DateCirca 1780“Circa 1780”
Height38 cm“Height: 38 cm”
MaterialBronze“Material: Bronze”
StyleLouis 16th, Directory“Style: Louis 16th, Directory”
Inventory NumberInv.No.4.001“Inv.No.4.001”
Literature ReferencePierre Kjellberg, Encyclopedia of the French Clock, Paris 1997, p. 277“See the Encyclopedia of the French Clock by Pierre Kjellberg, Paris 1997, p.277”
Dealer ServicingChecked and cleaned by dealer's watch restorer“The movement has been checked and cleaned by my watch restorer.”
Dealer Stated ConditionExcellent condition (seller-reported)“Condition: Excellent condition”

Visible details

  • The central bronze clock case is shaped like a magic lantern projector with a top chimney-like cap.
  • A white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for hours and Arabic five-minute numerals along the outer perimeter.
  • A winding aperture is visible in the lower dial sector near the six o'clock mark.
  • The sculpted figures depict an adult showman on the right leaning on the lantern housing and a child figure on the left holding an object.
  • The stepped base features a pierced gilt-bronze gallery and a white marble plinth resting on turned toupie feet.
  • Two flanking gilt candlesticks shown in the image are display items not described as part of the clock lot.

Research qualifications

  • The two candlesticks flanking the clock in the photograph appear to be props rather than part of the clock lot.
  • Maker, movement caliber, and escapement details are unrecorded in the source, though the movement is stated to have been cleaned and checked.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Extremely Rare Louis XVI Magic Lantern Clock Circa 1780. H.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f46e8fd0ca

Terms in this record

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

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