Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton mantel clock

Napoleon III Chiseled Skeleton Clock with Marble Base and Glass Globe

Partially verified

This 19th-century French skeleton clock in Napoleon III style features an open scrollwork frame of brass or gilt bronze mounted on an oval marble base. The framework supports a skeletonized movement with an enamel chapter ring bearing Roman numerals, around an exposed central train. A coordinating pierced pendulum swings suspended beneath the movement. The clock is accompanied by a tall glass dome and a winding key. According to the seller, the mechanism strikes the hours and half-hours.

Napoleon III chiseled brass skeleton clock with glass dome, marble base, and winding key
Napoleon III chiseled brass skeleton clock with glass dome, marble base, and winding key — French Antiques Normandy. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1679319
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
France
Source-reported serial
Slo25pen001

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

Construction and Materiality

The clock consists of an openwork structure described as brass or gilt bronze, mounted on a marble base. The object is presented under an arched glass globe.

The dealer identifies a weld defect near the frame scrolls and a small chip at the base of the glass globe.

Evidence for this section
  • “The brass or gilt bronze structure is airy”
  • “The structure has a small weld defect near the scrolls”
  • “presents a A small chip at the base”

Dial and Mechanism

The movement features a white enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals and exposed central wheelwork. A pendulum is suspended below the movement.

The mechanism is reported to strike the hours and half-hours. The dealer states the mechanism is functional but gummed, requiring servicing.

Evidence for this section
  • “it strikes the hours and half-hours”
  • “The springs are in very good condition, and the mechanism is functional but gummed; it simply needs servicing.”

Condition and Components

The enamel dial exhibits damage near the 6 o'clock position. The marble base is reported to be in good condition.

A metal winding key is included. The dealer asserts that all elements of the set are original.

Evidence for this section
  • “There is damage to the enamel dial at 6 o'clock”
  • “Everything on this set is original.”
  • “The marble base is in good condition, without damage.”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of brass alloy or gilding technique was utilized for the frame to account for the 'brass or gilt bronze' ambiguity?
  • Does the internal serial number correlate to a specific workshop or manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Napoleon III Chiseled Skeleton Clock with Marble Base and Glass Globe
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
StyleNapoleon 3rd“Style: Napoleon 3rd”
Striking functionStrikes hours and half-hours“it strikes the hours and half-hours”
Clock dimensionsApproximately 47 x 29 x 19 cm“Dimensions of the clock including its marble base: approximately 47 x 29 x 19 cm.”
Globe dimensionsApproximately 48 x 26 x 15 cm“Dimensions of the globe: approximately 48 x 26 x 15 cm.”
Total WeightOver 10 kg“total weight over 10 kg packaged”

Visible details

  • White enamel chapter ring displaying Roman numerals with exposed wheelwork in the center.
  • Pierced scrollwork brass or bronze framework standing on a stepped, veined oval marble plinth.
  • Decorative openwork pendulum suspended below the movement.
  • Fitted with a tall arched glass dome encompassing the entire clock.
  • A separate metal winding key rests on the marble base.

Research qualifications

  • The dealer notes damage to the enamel dial around the 6 o'clock position.
  • A weld defect near the frame scrolls and a small chip at the bottom of the glass globe are reported.
  • Movement is reported to be functional but gummed, requiring servicing.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Chiseled Bronze Skeleton Clock, Marble Base With Globe, 19th

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record da2bbadc11

Terms in this record

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

Other skeleton mantel clock records