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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Louis XVI ormolu and white marble mantel clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock, dating to the late 18th century, features a construction of white marble and ormolu. The primary aesthetic elements consist of a draped, rounded-end marble base raised on turned feet, upon which sit two reclining dog figures. These figures act as supports for the upper section, which is further decorated with a putto figure surmounting the dial. The 5-inch white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and is inscribed 'A Paris', complemented by gilt brass pierced hands. Decorative painted flower motifs serve as half-hour markers. The clock incorporates a twin train movement that includes an external count wheel and utilizes a silk suspension system. It is designed to strike the hours and half-hours on a polished bell. The auction description reports the clock is currently in working condition, although it notes the presence of a chip to the marble and evidence of regilding.

A late 18th-century mantel clock featuring two ormolu dogs on a white marble base with a central dial surmounted by a putto.
A late 18th-century mantel clock featuring two ormolu dogs on a white marble base with a central dial surmounted by a putto. — Bonhams / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206932712
Source-reported date
late 18th century
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

The clock is constructed from white marble and ormolu. The base features rounded ends and is elevated on turned feet, supporting two bronze figures of reclining dogs. Above this foundation, a putto figure surmounts the clock assembly, which is adorned with draped elements connecting the main housing to the base.

The dial is a 5-inch white enamel disc featuring Arabic numerals. It is signed 'A Paris' and includes hand-painted floral motifs acting as indices for the half-hour marks. The time is indicated by pierced and engraved gilt brass hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case with reclining dog supports surmounted by a putto, the draped marble base with rounded ends and raised on turned feet”
  • “the 5 inch white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and painted decoration with individual flowers as half hour markers signed A Paris with gilt brass pierced and engraved hands”

Movement and Function

The clock functions via a twin train movement. The escapement is governed by a silk suspension, and the strike mechanism is controlled by an external count wheel.

The clock is configured to strike the hours and half-hours on a polished bell. According to the auction report, the movement is currently in a state where it ticks and strikes.

Evidence for this section
  • “the twin train movement with external count wheel and silk suspension striking the hours and half hours on a polished bell”
  • “currently ticking and striking”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description notes that the movement is not signed. The physical state of the clock includes a chip in the marble component and evidence of the metalwork having been regilt.

The overall condition is described by the auction house as fair for the case, dial, and movement, while the glass is categorized as good.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement not signed, chip to marble and regilt”
  • “Case: fair Glass: good Dial: fair Hands: good Movement: fair”

Open research questions

  • Can the unsigned movement be identified by its specific configuration of external count wheel and striking mechanism?
  • Does the regilding obscure specific tool marks or finishing techniques that could clarify the production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XVI ormolu and white marble mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions42cm high, 44cm wide, 12cm deep“42cm high, 44cm wide, 12cm deep”
MaterialsOrmolu and white marble“ormolu and white marble”
Dial signatureA Paris“signed A Paris”
Movement typeTwin train with external count wheel“the twin train movement with external count wheel”
SuspensionSilk suspension“silk suspension”
Reported conditionChip to marble and regilt“chip to marble and regilt”

Visible details

  • Reclining dog figures on the marble base
  • Putto figure mounted above the dial
  • White enamel dial with floral half-hour markers
  • Gilt brass pierced hands

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of the late 18th-century dating is required
  • Movement is unsigned, limiting attribution of the specific clockmaker
  • Status of the original surface is compromised by reported regilding

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

Consulted source

Pendule de cheminée Louis XVI en marbre blanc et bronze doré

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e1263ac359

Terms in this record

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

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