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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Ourry white marble and gilt-bronze portico mantel clock

Partially verified

This portico mantel clock, signed by the maker Ourry, pupil of Tavernier, features a white marble and mercury-gilt bronze construction. Catalogued under the Consulat and Empire styles and dated to the 19th century, the clock incorporates an architectural colonnade supporting an upper platform and drum housing. The dial features an outer white enamel chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals around an exposed semi-skeleton movement showing front gearwork. Suspended beneath the upper platform is a gilt sunburst pendulum bob with a central face motif. The source records dimensions of 38 cm in height and a base of 20 by 10 cm.

Front view of the white marble and gilt-bronze portico mantel clock with sunburst pendulum
Front view of the white marble and gilt-bronze portico mantel clock with sunburst pendulum — Tic Tac Antiquités. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Ourry élève de Tavernier
Reference
1670510
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
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

Identity and Attribution

The object is a portico mantel clock signed by the maker 'Ourry, pupil of Tavernier'. The source classifies the piece within the Consulat and Empire styles and assigns it to the 19th century.

The clock is constructed from white marble and mercury-gilt bronze.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed by the watchmaker Ourry, pupil of Tavernier.”
  • “Period: 19th century”
  • “Style: Consulat, Empire”
  • “Elegant clock in white marble and mercury-gilt bronze”

Construction and Architecture

The design features four white marble columns with gilt-bronze bases, supporting an entablature decorated with beaded swags and pinecone finials.

A gilt-bronze sunburst pendulum bob, featuring an embossed human mask, is suspended in the central colonnade space. The summit is finished with a stepped marble base supporting a gilt-bronze ornament.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four smooth white marble columns with gilt-bronze bases support an entablature decorated with beaded swags and pinecone finials.”
  • “A gilt-bronze sunburst pendulum bob featuring an embossed human mask hangs suspended in the central colonnade space.”
  • “The summit above the clock drum is crowned by a stepped marble finial base supporting a gilt-bronze flame or urn ornament.”

Dial and Mechanism

The dial features a white enamel chapter ring with black Roman numerals and minute tick marks. The movement is a semi-skeleton type with exposed front gearwork.

The source claims the movement has been serviced by a watchmaker and includes a key.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel chapter ring displays black Roman numerals and minute tick marks enclosing an exposed front gear train.”
  • “semi-skeleton movement serviced by a watchmaker with sunburst pendulum and key.”

Open research questions

  • What are the verified historical records for the maker identified as Ourry, pupil of Tavernier?
  • Can the date of 19th century be refined through analysis of movement mechanics or stylistic markers beyond broad period classification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ourry white marble and gilt-bronze portico mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureOurry, pupil of Tavernier“Signed by the watchmaker Ourry, pupil of Tavernier.”
MaterialsWhite marble and mercury-gilt bronze“white marble and mercury-gilt bronze”
Movement DesignSemi-skeleton movement“semi-skeleton movement”
Pendulum TypeSunburst pendulum“sunburst pendulum and key”
DimensionsHeight 38 cm / Base 20 x 10 cm“Height 38 cm / Base 20 x 10 cm.”
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
StyleConsulat, Empire“Style: Consulat, Empire”
DimensionsHeight 38 cm; Base 20 x 10 cm“Height 38 cm / Base 20 x 10 cm.”

Visible details

  • White enamel chapter ring displays black Roman numerals and minute tick marks enclosing an exposed front gear train.
  • Four smooth white marble columns with gilt-bronze bases support an entablature decorated with beaded swags and pinecone finials.
  • A gilt-bronze sunburst pendulum bob featuring an embossed human mask hangs suspended in the central colonnade space.
  • The summit above the clock drum is crowned by a stepped marble finial base supporting a gilt-bronze flame or urn ornament.

Research qualifications

  • The source states the clock comes with a key and was serviced by a watchmaker, but neither the key nor movement plates are visible in the photograph.
  • Mercury-gilt bronze and marble materials are based on dealer description.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Ourry, Student Of Tavernier, Ht 38.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b210b5b417

Terms in this record

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

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