Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Pendule Louis XVI en bronze doré et marbre blanc

Partially verified

This early 19th-century mantel clock is constructed from ormolu and white marble. The timepiece features a shaped case adorned with a star and foliate-wrapped finial, positioned above swagged reclining lions. The assembly rests upon an inverted breakfront white marble base. The 4-inch white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic markers for the five-minute increments. It is signed in the center by the maker, Quelnel De Vivier, based in Rouen, and fitted with gilt brass hands. The movement is a twin-train system equipped with an external count wheel and a silk suspension, arranged to strike on a polished bell. The clock measures 40cm in height, 24cm in width, and 15cm in depth. The auction description notes that the ormolu elements have been regilt and reports that the mechanism is currently in working condition, maintaining time and striking as intended.

View of the mantel clock in ormolu and white marble with signature visible on the enamel dial.
View of the mantel clock in ormolu and white marble with signature visible on the enamel dial. — Bonhams / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Quelnel De Vivier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206932717
Source-reported date
début XIXe siècle
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

The clock case is executed in ormolu and white marble, measuring 40cm high by 24cm wide. The design features a shaped body capped by a star and foliate-wrapped finial. The mid-section includes reclining lion figures accented with swags, while the entire structure is supported by an inverted breakfront marble base.

The dial measures 4 inches in diameter and is finished in white enamel. It is marked with black Roman numerals for hour indication, complemented by Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial is signed in the center by the maker, Quelnel De Vivier, and features gilt brass hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The shaped case surmounted by a star and foliate wrapped finial above swagged reclining lions, set on an inverted breakfront marble base”
  • “the 4 inch white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Arabic five minute markers signed in the centre by the maker”

Movement and Function

The timekeeping is powered by a twin-train movement. This mechanism incorporates an external count wheel to regulate the striking sequence.

According to the provided description, the movement is in functioning order, both ticking and striking as expected.

Evidence for this section
  • “the twin train movement with external count wheel and silk suspension striking on a polished bell, currently ticking and striking”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to the early 19th century. The auction documentation states that the ormolu components have undergone regilding. No further specific history or provenance is documented for the object.

The attribution to Quelnel De Vivier is derived from the signature on the dial. The auction description serves as the primary source for the object's stated details.

Evidence for this section
  • “début XIXe siècle”
  • “set on an inverted breakfront marble base, (regilt)”
  • “Quelnel De Vivier à Rouen”

Open research questions

  • What is the operational history or documented output of the maker Quelnel De Vivier?
  • Does the silk suspension original to the early 19th-century manufacture remain intact?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pendule Louis XVI en bronze doré et marbre blanc
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerQuelnel De Vivier“Quelnel De Vivier à Rouen”
DateEarly 19th century“début XIXe siècle”
Dimensions40cm high, 24cm wide, 15cm deep“40cm high, 24cm wide, 15cm deep”
Dial featuresWhite enamel, black Roman numerals, Arabic five-minute markers“the 4 inch white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Arabic five minute markers”
Movement typeTwin train with silk suspension“the twin train movement with external count wheel and silk suspension”
MaterialGilt bronze and white marble“bronze doré et marbre blanc”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman hour and Arabic minute markers
  • Ormolu case ornamentation including reclining lions and foliate finials
  • External count wheel visible on the movement
  • Inverted breakfront marble base architecture

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of the type attribution is required
  • The auction description reports the ormolu has been regilt

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

Consulted source

Pendule Louis XVI en bronze doré et marbre blanc

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3887ac7f02

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records