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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Automaton clock

Restoration period gilded bronze automaton clock

Partially verified

This lot presents an automaton mantel clock dating to the Restoration period, circa 1820. Standing 46 cm tall, the clock case is made of gilded bronze and decorated with maritime and aquatic relief ornament, notably dolphins flanking the circular clock dial, acanthus scrolls, and a scallop shell centerpiece. Surmounting the clock is an automaton mechanism depicting a three-masted ship sailing atop stylized waves beside a walled coast with a tower. The auction house reports a striking movement in working order, noting that the ship requires reattachment. The piece is accompanied by an inlaid wooden base, a glass dome, and winding keys.

Front view of the gilded bronze automaton clock on wooden base with glass dome and keys
Front view of the gilded bronze automaton clock on wooden base with glass dome and keys — Monsantic.com. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Automaton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
69
Source-reported date
circa 1820
Country
Not established

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

Object Identity and Automaton Composition

The auction catalog designates the clock as an 'Importante pendule automate en bronze doré d'époque Restauration circa 1820', describing it as an automaton clock in gilded bronze standing 46 cm tall. The automaton staging atop the clock is catalogued as depicting a three-masted ship and wave ('automate trois mâts et vague').

Visual inspection confirms that the gilded bronze case is topped by an automaton setting depicting a miniature three-masted ship with pennants and an architectural tower structure. The clock body features flanking relief dolphins, foliate feet, and a central shell ornament beneath the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Importante pendule automate en bronze doré d'époque Restauration circa 1820”
  • “automate trois mâts et vague”
  • “The gilded bronze case is topped by an automaton setting depicting a miniature three-masted ship with pennants and an architectural tower structure.”
  • “The clock body features flanking relief dolphins, foliate feet, and a central shell ornament beneath the dial.”

Movement and Seller-Reported Condition

The clock movement is recorded in the source text as a striking movement ('mvt à sonnerie'). The auction house notes that the clock is in working order ('En état'), though this operational assessment is seller-reported and not independently tested.

The source listing specifically cautions that the vessel component requires repair or reattachment ('bateau à refixer').

Evidence for this section
  • “mvt à sonnerie”
  • “(En état. bateau à refixer)”

Accessories and Cataloguing Limits

Observation of the lot shows that the clock rests on an inlaid wooden base, accompanied by three keys and a clear glass display dome. The overall height of the clock itself is stated as 46 cm ('H:46cm').

No maker, workshop, or specific geographic place of origin is recorded in the source listing or visible on the clock dial. Attributions of nationality or unlisted mechanical details are absent from the record.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock rests on an inlaid wooden base, accompanied by three keys and a clear glass display dome.”
  • “H:46cm”

Open research questions

  • Are there maker's signatures, serial numbers, or foundry stamps concealed inside the gilded bronze case or on the movement backplate?
  • What mechanical linkage connects the striking or going train to the wave and ship automaton mechanism?
  • Are the inlaid wooden base and glass display dome contemporary with the clock's circa 1820 dating or later 19th-century additions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Restoration period gilded bronze automaton clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Period and DateRestoration period, circa 1820“d'époque Restauration circa 1820”
Case MaterialGilded bronze“bronze doré”
Height46 cm“H:46cm”
Automaton FeatureThree-masted ship and wave automaton“automate trois mâts et vague”
Movement MechanismStriking movement“mvt à sonnerie”
Auction Estimate€3,000 EUR - €5,000 EUR“Est: €3,000 EUR - €5,000 EUR”
Condition NoteReported in working order; boat to be reattached“(En état. bateau à refixer)”

Visible details

  • The gilded bronze case is topped by an automaton setting depicting a miniature three-masted ship with pennants and an architectural tower structure.
  • The clock body features flanking relief dolphins, foliate feet, and a central shell ornament beneath the dial.
  • The clock rests on an inlaid wooden base, accompanied by three keys and a clear glass display dome.

Research qualifications

  • The auction listing notes that the boat needs to be refixed ('bateau à refixer').
  • Working condition ('En état') is asserted by the auction house but remains unverified independently.
  • No maker or specific regional attribution is provided in the listing text or on the visible dial.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Watchmaking: Important gilded bronze automaton clock from the Restoration period circa 1820 (in working order. boat to be reattached)

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record af0efd7db8

Terms in this record

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