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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Musical Cherub Figural Ormolu Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock is housed in an ormolu bronze case featuring three cherub figures. The piece is attributed to French origin, dating to approximately 1860. The timekeeping is managed by an 8-day duration movement that includes a bell-striking mechanism. The dial is equipped with steel hands. The clock stands on ornamental feet and is surmounted by a decorative finial. The object includes a pendulum and winding key as functional accessories. The provided source notes that the movement has undergone recent servicing and is currently in working order. The decorative ormolu finish is identified by the source as the original finish to the bronze case.

Front view of the 8-day musical cherub figural ormolu mantel clock.
Front view of the 8-day musical cherub figural ormolu mantel clock. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
JN126

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 case is finished in its original patina, with detailed bronze work throughout. The dial itself has a white ground with black Roman numerals, complimented by blued steel hands.

The movement is protected by a rear circular glazed access door, which allows for visual inspection of the bell-striking mechanism located behind the movement plate. The overall structure is supported by decorative feet, elevating the base which holds the lateral porcelain inserts.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original bronze ormolu case”
  • “Sevres Panel dial all hand painted”
  • “Fine bronze ormolu cherub figures x 3”

Movement and Striking

The timepiece is powered by an 8-day French-made movement designed for reliability. The movement is configured for bell striking, providing an audible time signal. The movement plate is visible through the rear aperture, which features a protective glass cover. The auction description reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently operational.

The source notes the ticking sound of the movement as part of its operational character.

Evidence for this section
  • “8 Day French bell striking movement”
  • “Movement has just been serviced”
  • “Comes with key and pendulum”

Condition and Attribution

The item is dated to approximately 1860, attributed to French manufacture. The surface of the ormolu shows the original finish, with light signs of wear consistent with age, as documented in the provided images. The auction description reports the clock is in working order following its recent service.

Prospective review of the provided photographic documentation is encouraged to assess the state of the bronze patina and the condition of the painted porcelain panels, which are highlighted by the source as being in very good condition for the age of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original finish”
  • “Working order”
  • “Very good condition for age, showing slight signs or please view the many photos make sure happy.”

Open research questions

  • What factory produced the Sevres-style porcelain panels?
  • Is there a maker's mark stamped on the movement backplate??

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Musical Cherub Figural Ormolu Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions49cm high by 35cm wide & 20cm deep“Measures on its 49cm high by 35cm wide & 20cm deep”
Movement duration8-day“8 Day French bell striking movement”
SKUJN126“SKU: JN126”
Dial featuresHand-painted Sevres panels“Sevres Panel dial all hand painted”
Case materialOrmolu bronze“Original bronze ormolu case”
Striking mechanismBell strike“Bell strike movement”
ConditionServiced“Movement has just been serviced”

Visible details

  • Three cherub figures ornament the case
  • Hand-painted floral porcelain panels
  • Bell-striking movement visible from the rear
  • Ormolu bronze case with flame-style finial

Research qualifications

  • Porcelain panels are described as 'Sevres' style but source does not confirm factory origin
  • Exact maker is not identified in the source

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

Consulted source

Musical Cherub Figural Ormolu French Victorian Sevres 8-day mantel Clock – CA 1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ee6ba87814

Terms in this record

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

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