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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Miniature desk clock

Paul Frey Miniature Gold and Jade Clock

Partially verified

This miniature clock is a French objet d'art composed of solid 18K gold and jade. Attributed to the Parisian jeweler Paul Frey, the timepiece was retailed by Gompers. The construction features a clock housing mounted atop a spirally fluted jade column base, which rests on a dark green base. The gold elements are cast with decorative motifs, including gargoyles, grotesque figures, and foliate designs. The clock dial includes Arabic numerals and is positioned within a gold frame. The object is accompanied by an original protective case containing a winding key and bearing gold labeling for Gompers with shop locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, Aix-les-Bains, and Deauville. The piece includes hallmarks for 18K gold, specifically the assay mark of the Greek physician's head in a hexagon, which indicates production in Paris between 1838 and 1919.

Front view of the miniature gold and jade clock.
Front view of the miniature gold and jade clock. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Clock · Miniature desk clock
Maker / attribution
Paul Frey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Late 19th to Early 20th 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

Construction and Design

The object is designed as a miniature clock supported by a jade column. The primary body of the clock is crafted from 18K gold, incorporating cast elements such as gargoyles and grotesque figures. Folitate motifs adorn the gold mounts, providing an ornamental aesthetic.

A spirally fluted column of green jade serves as the central support for the clock housing. This section features gold-cast oak leaf decorations attached to the surface of the stone. The clock is completed by a stepped base, visually grounding the structure.

Evidence for this section
  • “opulent and incredibly rare French miniature clock is crafted of solid 18K gold and jade”
  • “boasting exquisite gold mounts hand-cast with unmistakable Gothic elements, including gargoyles and grotesque figures, accentuated by intricate foliate motifs”
  • “The resplendent, rich green jade column provides the perfect contrast; gracefully twisting”

Signatures and Marks

The timepiece contains identifying marks confirming its origin and material composition. It is signed on the reverse with 'GOMPERS PARIS' and bears the maker's mark 'PF' associated with Paul Frey.

The gold mounts are marked with an assay stamp featuring a Greek physician's head in a hexagon. This mark indicates that the components were assayed in Paris during the period of 1838 to 1919.

Evidence for this section
  • “This clock bears the "PF" makers mark for Paul Frey and is signed "GOMPERS PARIS" on the reverse.”
  • “Several mounts bear the assay mark of the Greek physician's head in a hexagon, indicating it was crafted between 1838-1919 in Paris of 18K gold.”

Case and Provenance

The clock is accompanied by its original protective case. The interior of the case includes a designated compartment for the winding key.

The case features gold-stamped labeling identifying the retailer, Gompers, and listing several locations of operation, including Paris, Monte Carlo, Aix-les-Bains, and Deauville.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original protective case that accompanies this objet d'art contains a pocket holding the winding key”
  • “bears the gold labeling "GOMPERS / Joaillier / 28 Place Vendôme / PARIS / MONTE CARLO / AIX LEX BAINS / DEAUVILLE”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of movement (e.g., eight-day, lever escapement) is housed within the gold case?
  • Does the 'PF' mark correspond to any specific Paul Frey registry of works from the late 19th or early 20th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Frey Miniature Gold and Jade Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Frey“Crafted by Parisian jeweler Paul Frey”
RetailerGompers“retailed by Gompers”
Materials18K Gold and jade“crafted of solid 18K gold and jade”
Assay MarkGreek physician's head in a hexagon“assay mark of the Greek physician's head in a hexagon”
DatingLate 19th to Early 20th Century“Late 19th to Early 20th Century”
MarksPF maker's mark; GOMPERS PARIS signature“This clock bears the "PF" makers mark for Paul Frey and is signed "GOMPERS PARIS" on the reverse.”
Clock dimensions2" x 2" x 5 3/8"“Clock: 2" wide x 2" deep x 5 3/8" high”

Visible details

  • Clock housing features small cast figures, including gargoyles.
  • The central column is made of twisted dark green jade with gold-toned oak leaf appliqués.
  • The clock face has Arabic numerals and a pale surface finish.
  • A rear door opens to reveal two arbors for the movement.

Research qualifications

  • Specific mechanical details of the movement are not provided.
  • The exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond the 1838-1919 date range indicated by the assay marks.

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

Consulted source

ساعت مینیاتوری پل فری؛ طلا و یشم

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2b30769066

Terms in this record

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