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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Shelf clock

Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

Partially verified

This Louis XVI style mantle clock, retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co. of Philadelphia, is constructed with a gilt bronze case. The object features a white enamel dial with floral decoration, incorporating both Roman and Arabic numerals, and is equipped with pierced hands. The structure is supported by six circular feet and six turned columns adorned with floral garlands. A bronze figure of a seated cherub is positioned at the center of the base. The movement is marked with the maker's name, L. Pitou, France, and bears the number 773. The clock stands 8.5 inches tall with a width and depth of 5.25 inches. It is supplied with a winding key. The auction description reports the object is sold as untested and may require service, parts, or repairs. The dial face exhibits hairlines, and the retailer's name shows losses.

Louis XVI style gilt bronze mantle clock with winding key.
Louis XVI style gilt bronze mantle clock with winding key. — Hill Auction Gallery (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Shelf clock
Maker / attribution
L. Pitou
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
134
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
773

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 Construction

The clock is designed in the Louis XVI style and functions as a shelf or desk timepiece. Its primary structure consists of a gilt bronze case that rests upon six circular feet. The composition is built around six finely turned columns which are linked by draped floral garlands.

The white enamel dial is decorated with delicate floral swags and features both Roman and Arabic numerals. Ornate pierced hands are used to indicate time. Centrally located within the column-supported frame is a seated bronze cherub figure, contributing to the classical aesthetic of the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The elegant gilt bronze case features a white enamel dial adorned with delicate floral swags, Roman and Arabic numerals, and ornate pierced hands.”
  • “The clock is raised on six circular feet and supported by six finely turned columns joined by draped floral garlands.”
  • “At center, a seated bronze cherub adds classical charm to the composition.”

Movement and Markings

The internal mechanism is produced by the clockmaker L. Pitou. According to the provided information, the movement is stamped with the maker's origin and a specific identification number.

The movement is identified by the number 773. The clock was retailed by the Philadelphia-based firm Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is marked L. Pitou, France and numbered 773.”
  • “retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co., Philadelphia.”

Reported Condition

The auction house provides an overview of the object's current state, characterizing it as being in good to fair condition. Specific damage noted includes hairlines on the dial face.

The retailer's name appearing on the dial has sustained losses. The clock is sold in an untested state, and it is reported that the item may require professional service, parts, or repairs to function.

Evidence for this section
  • “Good to fair overall condition with typical surface wear.”
  • “Hairlines to the dial face and winding arbor with losses to the retailer's name.”
  • “Being sold as untested. May be in need of service, parts and or repairs.”

Open research questions

  • What is the date of manufacture for the movement signed L. Pitou?
  • Was the retailer name 'Bailey, Banks & Biddle' applied to the dial originally or at a later date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerL. Pitou“The movement is marked L. Pitou, France”
RetailerBailey, Banks & Biddle Co.“retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co., Philadelphia”
Serial Number773“numbered 773”
Dimensions8.5 X 5.25 X 5.25 in“8.5 X 5.25 X 5.25 in”
Movement OriginFrance“movement is marked L. Pitou, France”
ConditionGood to fair“Good to fair overall condition with typical surface wear.”
ComponentsIncludes winding key“Includes winding key.”

Visible details

  • Clock movement is signed L. Pitou, France.
  • Dial features floral swags and dual numeral styles.
  • Includes a single metal winding key.
  • Case includes a central seated cherub figure.

Research qualifications

  • Clock is sold in untested condition with potential for necessary repairs.
  • Retailer's name on the dial face is reported to have losses.

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

Consulted source

Louis XVI Style French Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bdb0f438d8

Terms in this record

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

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