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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Meissen Porcelain Floral Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock features a porcelain case attributed to Meissen, dated to approximately 1860. The clock is constructed with a hand-painted and sculpted porcelain body, incorporating applied floral and leaf decorations and a central painted scene depicting lovers. The timekeeping mechanism is an eight-day French movement capable of bell striking. The rear of the movement is enclosed by a glass door. The clock has undergone a recent service and is reported to be in functional condition. The external appearance exhibits minor signs of age consistent with its period.

Front view of the Meissen porcelain mantel clock with floral ornamentation and painted scene.
Front view of the Meissen porcelain mantel clock with floral ornamentation and painted scene. — 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 1860
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Aesthetics

The clock case is fashioned from porcelain, finished with hand-painted details and applied sculptural elements. The design incorporates three-dimensional floral and foliate motifs integrated into the structure. A painted vignette featuring a scene of lovers is situated on the front of the pedestal. The overall aesthetic is consistent with mid-nineteenth-century decorative arts.

The porcelain body is characterized by a high level of ornamental detail, with individual flower petals and leaves modeled by hand. The surface is decorated with a combination of delicate brushwork for the figurative scenes and relief elements that create texture across the case profile.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از جنس پرسلین بوده و به صورت دست‌ساز تزیین و نقاشی شده است.”
  • “طراحی این ساعت شامل گل‌ها و برگ‌های برجسته در کنار یک صحنه نقاشی‌شده از عشاق است”

Movement and Mechanism

The timekeeping is provided by an eight-day French mechanical movement. This movement is designed for bell striking, providing an audible time-reporting function. The internal mechanics are protected by a glass door located at the rear of the clock case.

Technical maintenance has been performed on the clock, with the source indicating that it has been recently serviced. It is currently reported to be in good operating condition relative to its age, with only minor signs of use or passage of time visible on the exterior.

Evidence for this section
  • “این قطعه به یک موتور مکانیکی فرانسوی هشت‌روزه مجهز است که از سیستم زنگ کاسه‌ای (bell striking) بهره می‌برد.”
  • “یک درب شیشه‌ای در پشت موتور تعبیه شده است”

Historical Context and Attribution

The object is attributed to the Meissen factory based on the source documentation. The integration of high-quality porcelain art with functional horological components was a common configuration for decorative clocks in this era.

The production of such items relied on specialized craft skills, including both porcelain sculpture and professional clockmaking.

Evidence for this section
  • “در سده نوزدهم میلادی، ساعت‌های رومیزی تزیینی با بدنه‌های چینی و پرسلین یکی از اجزای برجسته در طراحی داخلی و دکوراسیون اشرافی به شمار می‌رفتند.”
  • “ترکیب هنرهای تزیینی دستی نظیر نقاشی مینیاتوری و قالب‌گیری گل‌های ظریف بر روی پرسلین با موتورهای دقیق و خوش‌ساخت ساعت‌سازی فرانسوی”

Open research questions

  • Does the clock possess an identifiable Meissen crossed swords mark or other factory identification on the base or movement?
  • What is the specific manufacturer of the French eight-day movement found within the porcelain housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Meissen Porcelain Floral Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMeissen“Meissen”
Datecirca 1860“حدود ۱۸۶۰”
Movement OriginFrench“موتور مکانیکی فرانسوی”
Power Reserve8 day“هشت‌روزه”
Striking MechanismBell striking“سیستم زنگ کاسه‌ای (bell striking)”
Case MaterialPorcelain“بدنه این ساعت از جنس پرسلین بوده”
Service StatusRecently serviced“دستگاه اخیراً سرویس شده و با عملکردی مناسب کار می‌کند.”

Visible details

  • Applied sculpted porcelain flowers and leaves
  • Hand-painted scene depicting a pair of lovers on the lower case
  • Enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and Arabic numeral minute track
  • Gold-toned bezel surrounding the dial

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the movement apart from its French origin is not specified.
  • The attribution to Meissen is provided by the source without accompanying maker's mark confirmation.

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

Consulted source

Fabulous Meissen Porcelain Floral Mantel clock – ca1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0bd8f345aa

Terms in this record

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

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