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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Napoleon III mantel clock

Partially verified

This 19th-century French mantel clock features an architectural, neoclassical design, primarily constructed from white marble. The housing is accented with gilt bronze mounts and decorated with polychrome enamel panels. A pedestal-form urn, or tazza, serves as the finial, adorned with gilt bronze scrolling handles and suspended chains that correspond to similar decorative elements on the base. The circular dial displays Roman numeral hour markers, floral details, and gilt accents, signed 'Roger Volyncet' and 'Mantes'. Two winding apertures are located on the dial face, indicating a mechanical movement. The clock is set upon a shaped, gilt-finished base, providing a foundation for the upright case.

Full view of the Napoleon III white marble, gilt bronze, and enamel mantel clock, showing the urn finial, dial, and base.
Full view of the Napoleon III white marble, gilt bronze, and enamel mantel clock, showing the urn finial, dial, and base. — Collective Hudson, LLC, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Roger Volyncet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
Source-reported place
France

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 Design

The clock case is fashioned from white marble, utilizing a multi-tiered architecture that supports a central circular dial. The design incorporates scrolling marble elements and is further embellished with gilt bronze mounts, including decorative chains draped across both the clock housing and the base.

A pedestal-form urn or tazza sits atop the main structure, echoing the scrolling and chain motifs found on the primary case. The ensemble is elevated by a shaped base finished in gilt, which serves to ground the vertical orientation of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “constructed primarily from white marble, complemented by intricate gilt bronze mounts”
  • “Surmounting the main housing is a pedestal-form marble and gilt bronze urn, or tazza, which mirrors the scrolling handles and chain motifs found on the base.”

Dial and Ornamentation

The circular dial is set within the main marble housing and features Roman numeral hour markers. The face is ornamented with delicate floral motifs and gilt detailing. The design incorporates blue and polychrome enamel panels, including a central figural scene on the lower portion of the clock, executed in a champlevé style.

The presence of two winding apertures on the dial indicates the internal mechanical movement, allowing for timekeeping adjustments. The dial is explicitly signed by the maker, Roger Volyncet, along with the location, Mantes.

Evidence for this section
  • “The central circular dial is adorned with Roman numeral hour markers, delicate floral motifs, and gilt accents”
  • “Notably, the dial is signed 'Roger Volyncet' and 'Mantes,' indicating the maker.”
  • “The aesthetic combines traditional marble work with champlevé-style enamel panels, including a central figural scene”

Historical Context and Attribution

The object is identified as a 19th-century French mantel clock, associated with the aesthetic of the French Second Empire.

Attribution to Roger Volyncet of Mantes is supported by the dial signature.

Evidence for this section
  • “19th-century French Second Empire.”
  • “The aesthetic combines traditional marble work with champlevé-style enamel panels, including a central figural scene, characteristic of the decorative arts production during the 19th-century French Second Empire.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical movement type used in this clock?
  • Are there further historical records confirming the dates of operation for Roger Volyncet in Mantes?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Napoleon III mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRoger Volyncet“Roger Volyncet”
LocationMantes“Mantes”
MaterialsWhite marble, gilt bronze, enamel“marble, gilt bronze and enamel”
NumeralsRoman numerals“Roman numeral hour markers”
Design styleNeoclassical“neoclassical design”
Period19th century“19th-century French Second Empire”

Visible details

  • Blue enamel panels with floral and figural motifs
  • Two winding apertures on the dial
  • Gilt bronze chains suspended between ornaments
  • Shaped base with gilt finish

Research qualifications

  • The maker and location attribution rely solely on the signature on the dial.
  • Exact date of production within the 19th century is not specified in the source.

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

Consulted source

Napoleon III marble, gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock, Roger Volyncet, Mantes

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3ee25e2949

Terms in this record

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

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