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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Miniature table clock

Swiss Miniature Pendule with Amor

Partially verified

This Swiss miniature pendule, dated circa 1800, features a fire-gilded bronze case measuring 18 cm in height. The clock is topped by a figure of Cupid and includes a floral motif on the base. It stands under a glass dome. The white dial is marked with Roman numerals and is accompanied by a small pendulum movement. The movement is specified to have an eight-day running time and a half-hour striking mechanism, utilizing a thread suspension for the pendulum. The auction description reports that the object shows signs of age and notes the absence of Cupid’s arrow.

Front view of the Swiss miniature pendule under a glass dome.
Front view of the Swiss miniature pendule under a glass dome. — Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Miniature table clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
298
Source-reported date
circa 1800
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Aesthetic Details

The clock is constructed from fire-gilded bronze, presenting an 18 cm tall profile suitable for a mantle or table display. The case design incorporates ornamental features, including a figure of Amor (Cupid) positioned on the side of the clock movement, and floral decorative elements on the base.

The timepiece is presented protected by a glass dome, which rests on a dark base. The auction description identifies the clock as a Swiss miniature pendule. Decorative details include relief-molded floral motifs on the case front and the figure of Amor, who appears to interact with a rose and leaf elements atop the movement housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fire-gilded bronze case”
  • “H. 18 cm”
  • “A SWISS MINIATURE PENDULE WITH AMOR”
  • “Cupid’s arrow is missing. Under a glass dome.”

Movement and Dial

The dial is finished in white and utilizes black Roman numerals to indicate the hours. The hands are simple in profile. The internal mechanism is described as a small pendulum movement.

The movement is capable of an eight-day running time and features a striking mechanism capable of sounding on the half-hour. The pendulum itself is supported by a thread suspension, a feature noted by the auction house in their description of the clock's construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “white dial with Roman numerals”
  • “Small pendulum movement with an 8-day running time, half-hour striking mechanism and a thread suspension for the pendulum.”

Provenance and Condition

The auction house reports that the object exhibits signs of age commensurate with its production date.

Specific damage to the ornamentation is noted, specifically the loss of the arrow held by the Cupid figure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signs of age. Good condition; no guarantee of functionality.”
  • “Cupid’s arrow is missing.”
  • “All proceeds from this lot will be donated to the Olgäle Foundation for children with illnesses e.V.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or retailer associated with this piece?
  • Are there similar known Swiss miniature pendules from the same period with matching ornamental figures?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss Miniature Pendule with Amor
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Item typeSwiss miniature pendule“A SWISS MINIATURE PENDULE WITH AMOR”
Datecirca 1800“circa 1800”
Height18 cm“H. 18 cm”
Case materialFire-gilded bronze“Fire-gilded bronze case”
Running time8 days“8-day running time”
Striking mechanismHalf-hour striking“half-hour striking mechanism”
SuspensionThread suspension“thread suspension for the pendulum”
ConditionSigns of age, arrow missing“Cupid’s arrow is missing. Under a glass dome. Signs of age.”

Visible details

  • Fire-gilded bronze case construction
  • White dial features black Roman numerals
  • Figure of Cupid on the right side of the clock body
  • Includes a glass dome cover

Research qualifications

  • Cupid's arrow is noted as missing
  • Functionality not guaranteed by the auction house

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

Consulted source

A SWISS MINIATURE PENDULE WITH AMOR

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 0e1c61b3ce