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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock

Partially verified

The clock stands 62cm high, 41cm wide, and 22cm deep. The circular dial, measuring 6 inches in diameter, is integrated with an ormolu centre and displays individual white enamel Roman numerals. A decorative putto surmounts the dial, while the overall case composition incorporates further figure elements. The auction description reports that the gilding has been refreshed, and the blued steel hands feature pierced centres.

Front view of the Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock with central dial and figure ornamentation.
Front view of the Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock with central dial and figure ornamentation. — Bonhams / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206932757
Source-reported date
late 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 and Dial Construction

The mantel clock is housed in a shaped ormolu case heavily embellished with scrolling foliate motifs that define its aesthetic character. The central circular dial is mounted within this decorative structure and is surmounted by a sculpted putto, which serves as a focal point for the upper section of the clock. Additional figures are integrated into the lower portions of the frame, contributing to the ornamental density of the object.

The dial itself measures 6 inches in diameter and features an ormolu centre surrounded by individual white enamel Roman numerals. The time is indicated by a pair of blued steel hands that are finished with pierced centres. According to the auction description, the gilding on the ormolu case has been refreshed, modifying the original surface finish of the metalwork.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case of shaped form with scrolling foliate motifs”
  • “the circular dial surmounted by a putto”
  • “the matching 6 inch dial with ormolu centre and individual white enamel Roman numerals”
  • “the gilding refreshed”

Movement and Mechanism

The striking function is facilitated by an external count wheel, which drives the mechanism to sound the signal on a polished steel bell.

At the time of the documented inspection, the clock was reported as currently ticking and striking, indicating that the mechanical train was operational. The auction house provided a brief condition report for the internal components, describing the movement as fair, though this remains an assessment of functional status rather than a technical analysis of the components' originality or wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “the typical French movement with external count wheel”
  • “striking the hours and half hours on a polished steel bell with silk suspension”
  • “currently ticking and striking”
  • “Movement: fair”

Provenance and Condition

The object is identified as a late 19th-century French mantel clock, though no specific maker's name or workshop mark has been provided in the documentation. The auction record assigns the piece to the Napoléon III style, reflecting the broad temporal designation provided by the source.

The general condition of the clock is summarized by the auction house as fair for the case, hands, and movement, while the dial is specifically noted as being in good condition. These designations serve as a general summary of the object's physical state at the time of the auction, as reported by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “A late 19th century Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock”
  • “Case: fair”
  • “Dial: good”
  • “Hands: fair”

Open research questions

  • Identify if any maker's mark is present on the movement backplate to confirm the manufacturer.
  • Verify the integrity of the original components to determine if the silk suspension is a later replacement.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialormolu“ormolu”
Dimensions62cm high, 41cm wide, 22cm deep“62cm high, 41cm wide, 22cm deep”
Movement typeFrench movement with external count wheel“the typical French movement with external count wheel”
Striking mechanismPolished steel bell“striking the hours and half hours on a polished steel bell”
SuspensionSilk suspension“with silk suspension”
Dial description6 inch dial with ormolu centre and individual white enamel Roman numerals“the matching 6 inch dial with ormolu centre and individual white enamel Roman numerals”
Condition notesGilding refreshed“the gilding refreshed”

Visible details

  • Putto figure surmounting the circular dial
  • Pierced centers on the blued steel hands
  • Ornate scrolling foliate motifs throughout the ormolu case
  • External count wheel visible on the movement assembly

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of the gilding's condition and history is required.
  • The exact date of manufacture is broadly attributed to the late 19th century without specific archival documentation.

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

Consulted source

Napoléon III ormolu mantel clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 96190555b7

Terms in this record

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

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