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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Vincenti & Cie French mantel clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock is cataloged by Stockholms Auktionsverk Köln as dating from the mid-19th century and featuring a movement stamped 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent'. Rendered in Rococo style with gilt bronze elements, the clock sits upon an ornate base decorated with rocaille motifs. Surmounting the clock drum is a figural group composed of a standing huntsman or page in period attire alongside a sitting dog. Time is displayed on a circular white enamelled dial with Roman hour numerals and two winding squares. The auction house reports approximate dimensions of 38 cm in height, 36 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth.

Frontal view of the gilt bronze Vincenti & Cie mantel clock with figural group and enamel dial
Frontal view of the gilt bronze Vincenti & Cie mantel clock with figural group and enamel dial — Stockholms Auktionsverk Köln. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Vincenti & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4962562
Source-reported date
mid-19th century
Country
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 Composition and Decorative Scheme

The mantel clock is catalogued as gilt bronze with a base incorporating rocaille elements, described by the auction house as a large French Empire mantel clock in Rococo style measuring approximately 38 cm in height, 36 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth.

Visual observation indicates that the sculptural figures surmounting the base comprise a standing male figure dressed in Renaissance or historical costume alongside a seated dog. Furthermore, observation of the plinth shows inset panels of translucent stone or alabaster framed by gilt rocaille cast metal mounts.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vincenti & Cie, large French Empire mantel clock in Rococo style, bronze, gilt, base with rocaille elements”
  • “Dimensions approx.: H. 38 cm, W. 36 cm, D. 13 cm.”
  • “Sculptural bronze figures include a standing male figure in Renaissance or historical costume and a seated dog.”
  • “The plinth incorporates translucent stone or alabaster inset panels framed by gilt rocaille cast metal mounts.”

Dial and Movement Details

The auction entry records an enamelled dial, which visibly presents black Roman numerals, simple hands, and two key-winding apertures.

The internal mechanism is reported by the auction house to be stamped 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent'. Because the movement is enclosed and not depicted directly in the frontal photograph, its internal mechanism type and backplate stamp are not independently confirmed from visible observation.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamelled dial”
  • “movement stamped: 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent”
  • “White enamel dial features Roman numerals, simple hands, and two key-winding apertures.”

Reported Condition and Cataloguing Status

Stockholms Auktionsverk Köln reports condition signs of age and use, stating the clock is rubbed and tarnished in places, which corresponds with visible surface patina and tarnish on the metalwork.

The cataloguer notes that the movement was not working at the time of cataloging and specifies that functionality is not guaranteed. Additionally, the listing notes that item details were automatically translated from German.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signs of age and use, rubbed and tarnished in places; not working at the time of cataloging.”
  • “Stockholms Auktionsverk does not guarantee functionality.”
  • “Item details have been automatically translated. We are not responsible for translation errors.”
  • “Surfaces exhibit visible patina, rubbing, and tarnish consistent with age.”

Open research questions

  • What specific medal year or serial numbers are stamped on the movement backplate alongside 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent'?
  • What specific material constitutes the translucent inset panels on the plinth?
  • What is the mechanical layout, striking system, and suspension type of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vincenti & Cie French mantel clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement stampVincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent“movement stamped: 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent”
MaterialsBronze, gilt“bronze, gilt”
Base styleRocaille elements“base with rocaille elements”
DialEnamelled dial“enamelled dial”
DimensionsH. 38 cm, W. 36 cm, D. 13 cm“Dimensions approx.: H. 38 cm, W. 36 cm, D. 13 cm”
Auction title style descriptionLarge French Empire mantel clock in Rococo style“large French Empire mantel clock in Rococo style”
Reported condition and functionalityRubbed and tarnished in places; not working at time of cataloging; functionality not guaranteed“Signs of age and use, rubbed and tarnished in places; not working at the time of cataloging. Stockholms Auktionsverk does not guarantee functionality.”
Translation noticeCatalog details translated automatically from German“Item details have been automatically translated. We are not responsible for translation errors.”

Visible details

  • Sculptural bronze figures include a standing male figure in Renaissance or historical costume and a seated dog.
  • White enamel dial features Roman numerals, simple hands, and two key-winding apertures.
  • The plinth incorporates translucent stone or alabaster inset panels framed by gilt rocaille cast metal mounts.
  • Surfaces exhibit visible patina, rubbing, and tarnish consistent with age.

Research qualifications

  • Movement stamp 'Vincenti & Cie, Médaille d'Argent' is source-reported and not visible in the frontal photograph.
  • Stockholms Auktionsverk notes signs of wear and that the movement was not working at the time of cataloging, with functionality not guaranteed.

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

Consulted source

Vincenti & Cie. French Empire mantel clock, mid-19th century. Clocks & Watches - Mantel clocks - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record de6943ff4b

Terms in this record

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

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