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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mystery clock

SEFIA Reproduction 'Gloria' Ball Mystery Clock

Partially verified

This mystery clock consists of a late 20th-century cast bronze winged figure supporting an antique-style mystery clock apparatus, modeled after Ansonia's classic 'Gloria' design. The dark spherical clock head is mounted atop an X-form suspension with an attached gridiron pendulum and lower ball bob. According to the auction source, the face and apparatus bear the stamped mark of SEFIA. The figure stands on an incised domed base with clouds and wreath detailing, measuring 33.25 inches in height, and is noted to have a tear in one bronze wing.

Full view of the bronze winged figure supporting the SEFIA ball mystery clock and gridiron pendulum
Full view of the bronze winged figure supporting the SEFIA ball mystery clock and gridiron pendulum — Soulis Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Mystery clock
Maker / attribution
SEFIA
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
695
Source-reported date
Late 20th century
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

Composition and Form

The assembly stands 33.25 inches in height and centers on a winged female classical figure who holds the mystery clock aloft in her right hand. The auction listing describes the figure as late 20th-century cast bronze, noting that "the figure appears to be a copy of Ansonia's 'Gloria' ball clock figure." Beneath the figure, visual observation shows a circular stepped base with cloud-like modeling over a grid-incised dome rimmed with foliage.

Mounted to the raised hand is a mystery clock apparatus featuring a dark spherical case flanked by scroll brackets and a decorative finial. The mechanism is mounted "upon X-form suspension hanging a gridiron pendulum" that terminates below in a spherical bob.

Evidence for this section
  • “the figure appears to be a copy of Ansonia's 'Gloria' ball clock figure.”
  • “upon X-form suspension hanging a gridiron pendulum”
  • “Measures 33.25 inches.”
  • “Cast bronze winged female classical figure supporting an elevated clock mechanism in her right hand.”
  • “Circular stepped base featuring cloud-like modeling above a grid-incised dome rimmed with foliage.”

Dial and Maker Markings

The dark spherical dial case displays applied gilt Roman numerals and ornate pierced hands based on visual observation. The auction text notes that the assembly bears the maker mark of SEFIA in multiple positions.

Specifically, the listing states that the apparatus is "having stamped mark of SEFIA, The face is lettered with this mark as well." The catalog characterizes the lot as combining a "late 20th century cast bronze figure holding aloft an antique apparatus with clock in ball shape case," though further details about SEFIA's background or the apparatus's date are not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “having stamped mark of SEFIA, The face is lettered with this mark as well”
  • “The late 20th century cast bronze figure holding aloft an antique apparatus with clock in ball shape case”
  • “Spherical dark clock case flanked by scroll brackets and a decorative finial, displaying applied gilt Roman numerals and ornate pierced hands.”

Condition and Documentation Limitations

The auction catalog highlights a single structural defect in the bronze casting, reporting that "One wing has a bronze tear" (and similarly in the condition report: "The figure has a tear to one bronze wing."). The listing provides no details regarding the exact extent, position, or stability of this tear.

Internal movement specifications are not documented in the listing. Information regarding escapement design, running order, timekeeping accuracy, and internal mechanical condition is entirely unrecorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “One wing has a bronze tear.”
  • “The figure has a tear to one bronze wing.”

Open research questions

  • What dates, foundry, or horological workshop correspond to the stamped and lettered mark 'SEFIA'?
  • Where is the tear located on the bronze wing, and does it affect the stability of the figure?
  • What type of movement is fitted within the spherical case, and is the mystery mechanism functional?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for SEFIA Reproduction 'Gloria' Ball Mystery Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Figure MaterialCast bronze“The late 20th century cast bronze figure holding aloft an antique apparatus with clock in ball shape case”
Suspension TypeX-form suspension“upon X-form suspension hanging a gridiron pendulum”
Maker MarkSEFIA“having stamped mark of SEFIA, The face is lettered with this mark as well”
Design InspirationAnsonia 'Gloria' figure“the figure appears to be a copy of Ansonia's 'Gloria' ball clock figure.”
Height33.25 inches“Measures 33.25 inches.”
Condition DefectBronze wing tear“The figure has a tear to one bronze wing.”
Auction Estimate$400 USD - $500 USD“Est: $400 USD - $500 USD”
Sale DateDecember 06, 2020“December 06, 2020, 12:00 PM CST”

Visible details

  • Cast bronze winged female classical figure supporting an elevated clock mechanism in her right hand.
  • Spherical dark clock case flanked by scroll brackets and a decorative finial, displaying applied gilt Roman numerals and ornate pierced hands.
  • Gridiron pendulum rod assembly extending downwards to a spherical bob.
  • Circular stepped base featuring cloud-like modeling above a grid-incised dome rimmed with foliage.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes a tear to one bronze wing.
  • Internal movement details, escapement type, and operational status are not provided by the source.
  • The bronze figure is described as a late 20th-century reproduction combined with an apparatus bearing SEFIA marks.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: A REPRO BRONZE WINGED FIGURE WITH SEFIA MYSTERY CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4e04377b16

Terms in this record

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

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