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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock features a porcelain case attributed to Meissen, dating to approximately 1850. The ornamental porcelain body is decorated with hand-painted floral motifs and includes two figural sculptures depicting lovers, positioned on the sides of the central clock face, with a floral vase finial at the top. The case rests on sculpted feet and is finished with applied, hand-painted porcelain flowers and leaves. The circular dial is white enamel, featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minute indicators at the outer edge. Housed within the porcelain body is a French mechanical movement, described as an eight-day mechanism equipped with a bell-striking system. Access to the movement is provided through a hinged metal cover located on the rear of the clock case.

A frontal view of the Meissen-attributed porcelain figural mantel clock, featuring two figures and a floral vase.
A frontal view of the Meissen-attributed porcelain figural mantel clock, featuring two figures and a floral vase. — Zamanito/Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Meissen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1850
Source-reported place
Germany

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 case is constructed from porcelain, heavily adorned with sculptural elements including a pair of figures and a central vase finial. The design incorporates applied, hand-painted floral and foliage decorations across the base and main body structure.

The time is displayed on a circular white enamel dial framed by a brass bezel. The dial features black Roman numerals for the hour divisions, while the outer perimeter contains Arabic numerals indicating the minutes. The design includes two winding holes, indicating a time and strike configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه پرسلین (چینی) پرنقش‌ونگار و تزئینات پیکره‌ای”
  • “صفحه ساعت در قاب برنجی قرار گرفته و دارای زمینه لعاب‌دار سفید با اعداد رومی برای نمایش ساعت و ارقام عربی در حاشیه بیرونی برای دقایق است”

Movement

The internal mechanism is a French mechanical movement designed for an eight-day running duration between windings. The movement is equipped with a bell-striking system to announce the time.

A hinged metal cover is positioned on the rear of the porcelain case to allow access to the clockwork. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a recent service and operates in a regular manner.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار مکانیکی فرانسوی با کارکرد ۸ روزه (8-day) و دارای زنگ ناقوسی (Bell striking) است”
  • “دریچه دسترسی به موتور با پوشش فلزی بازشو طراحی شده است”
  • “موتور اخیراً سرویس شده و عملکرد آن روان و منظم است”

Condition

The object is reported to be in good condition relative to its age, though minor wear is noted. A specific flaw identified is a hairline crack present on the hand of the female figure.

Potential collectors are encouraged to verify the authenticity of porcelain marks, the integration of the French movement within the porcelain housing, and the current integrity of the fragile floral decorations.

Evidence for this section
  • “یک ترک مویی ریز (Hairline) روی دست تندیس زنانه وجود دارد”
  • “اصالت علائم کارخانه پرسلین، انطباق قطعات موتور فرانسوی با محفظه، و وضعیت سلامت اجزای ظریف گل‌های برجسته را از روی تصاویر با دقت بررسی نمایند”

Open research questions

  • Are there factory marks or painter marks on the underside or rear of the porcelain?
  • Does the movement plate carry any specific French maker's signature?
  • Is there evidence of metal mounting reinforcements within the porcelain case to hold the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMeissen“منسوب به Meissen”
Datecirca 1850“حدود ۱۸۵۰ میلادی”
MovementFrench 8-day mechanical“موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار مکانیکی فرانسوی با کارکرد ۸ روزه”
StrikingBell strike“دارای زنگ ناقوسی”
DamageHairline crack“یک ترک مویی ریز (Hairline) روی دست تندیس زنانه وجود دارد”
DecorHand-painted floral and figural“نقوش برجسته پرکار از گل‌ها و برگ‌های مجسمه‌سازی‌شده در سرتاسر پایه و بدنه است که تماماً با دست نقاشی و رنگ‌آمیزی شده‌اند”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with dual winding holes.
  • Hand-painted floral patterns on the porcelain surface.
  • Figural sculptures of a male figure with a lyre and a female figure.
  • Hinged metal circular access port on the rear of the clock.

Research qualifications

  • Authenticity of the porcelain manufacturer marks is unverified.
  • Compatibility between the French movement and the porcelain case requires further verification.
  • Status of fragile applied floral elements should be verified.

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

Consulted source

Fabulous Meissen Porcelain Figural Mantel clock – ca1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9788547af8

Terms in this record

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

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