How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I adjust a French mantel clock?

How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

French Gilt Clock

Lion Clock

Champleve Clock

Gold Wall Clock

Candelabra And Clock Set

Mantel Clock With Candelabra

Large Bronze Clock

Figural Clock

Antique Porcelain Mantel Clock

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock

H 14.97 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

French Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A superb gilt bronze and Sienna marble clock depicting Urania (muse of astronomy).

Category

Antique 1880s French Empire Revival Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 26.5 in W 18.25 in D 8 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful original antique French clock, modelled in the Baroque style in gilt bronze. It is of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

H 18.25 in W 9.75 in D 6 in

19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century French gilt bronze clock. Clock is in working condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 16 in W 12 in D 4.5 in

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

Located in Hollywood, SC

French gilt bronze and marble three piece mantel clock flanked by matching candelabras. Center

Category

Antique 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

H 25.5 in W 20.5 in D 8 in

French Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1870-1880

Located in Berlin, DE

French mantel clock / pendulum clock, fire-gilt, around 1870-1880 Solid bronze, fire-gilded

Category

Antique 1870s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1870-1880

H 14.97 in W 16.15 in D 5.91 in

French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

This unusual clock signed Blanc Fils Palais Royal is modelled as a library, flanked by two seated

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 16 in W 12 in D 7 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and stunning antique French Baroque drum head clock. Beautifully modelled in gilt bronze

Category

Antique 19th Century Baroque Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

H 16.5 in W 9 in D 5.5 in

Antique French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Clock

By A.D. Mougin

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful antique French gilt bronze clock by A. D. Mougin. Modelled in architectural form and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Clock

H 15.5 in W 11 in D 5 in

French Gilt-Bronze and Glass Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

An elegant French gilt-bronze and glass clock garniture. Urn shaped gilt bronze mounted crystal

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt-Bronze and Glass Clock Set

H 17.5 in W 8 in D 5.5 in

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture French, late 19th century Clock: Height 60cm

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

H 23.63 in W 14.18 in D 7.88 in

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 19.69 in W 14.18 in D 4.73 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning Baroque style antique French Cartel wall clock. It is beautifully modelled in gilded

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

H 21.75 in W 13 in D 5 in

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Located in New York, NY

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

H 15 in W 12.5 in D 5 in

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

Located in New York, NY

An Exquisite Antique French Period Empire Neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock embellished with

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Steel, Enamel

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

H 18 in W 15 in D 6 in

French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 16 in W 9 in D 5 in

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Located in New York, NY

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

H 18.1 in W 11.8 in D 4.7 in

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Restauation period gilt and patinated bronze clock.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Restauration Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 17.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

Located in New York, NY

19th c. French Gilt Dore Bronze Chinoiserie Clock possibly made for the Chinese market. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

H 20 in W 15 in D 5 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Cartel Wall Clock

By Vincenti et Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning original antique French cartel wall clock by Vincenti et Cie. It is beautifully modelled

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Cartel Wall Clock

H 23.5 in W 9 in D 4.5 in

French Gilt Champleve Decorated Clock Garniture

By Samuel Marti

Located in Norwich, GB

French gilt champleve clock garniture Rectangular case standing on a stepped moulded base with

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Gilt Champleve Decorated Clock Garniture

H 12.5 in W 8 in D 6 in

Large Louis XV Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock

By Louis Japy

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and impressive original antique French clock by Louis Japy. It is beautifully made in

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large Louis XV Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 19.75 in W 11 in D 5.25 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Rococo Cartel Wall Clock

By Vincenti et Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A very decorative antique French gilt bronze cartel wall clock by Vincenti, circa 1870. It is

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Rococo Cartel Wall Clock

H 20.5 in W 9.25 in D 3.5 in

French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Garniture

By Japy Frères

Located in New York, NY

Very fine quality 19 century French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Garniture with hand

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Garniture

H 20.5 in W 17 in D 6 in

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock French, 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

H 19.69 in W 7.49 in D 5.12 in

Huge Antique French Gilt Bronze Classical Clock Set

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A huge and magnificent antique French classical clock set, dating from circa 1890 and standing at

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Huge Antique French Gilt Bronze Classical Clock Set

H 25.25 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fine 19th century French gilt bronze mounted Rouge marble 3-piece figural clock set Clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set

Antique French Sevres Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock

By A.D. Mougin, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and stunning original antique French clock. It is Louis XV in style, mounted with exquisite

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Sevres Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 18 in W 11 in D 6.5 in

Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock

Located in London, GB

Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock French, late 19th Century Height 63cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock

H 24.81 in W 11.03 in D 3.94 in

French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 20.08 in W 13 in D 5.52 in

French, Gilt and Brass Eiffel Tower Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

A magnificent French antique clock in the style of The Eiffel Tower. It was produced in the late

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

French, Gilt and Brass Eiffel Tower Mantel Clock

H 26 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set

Located in London, GB

This wonderful clock set was created in France in circa 1870, in the late 19th century. The set

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set

H 31.5 in W 16.54 in D 9.45 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer

By Ernest Royer

Located in London, GB

This beautiful gilt bronze (ormolu) clock set was crafted, circa 1870 in France. The set is

Category

Antique 1870s French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer

H 23.63 in W 20.48 in D 8.27 in

19th Century French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze Figural Amour & Psyche Mantel Clock

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Very fine gilt bronze figural mantel clock featuring cupid (also known as amour) swooning a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze Figural Amour & Psyche Mantel Clock

H 20 in W 13 in D 5 in

Louis XVI Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

By A.D. Mougin

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and impressive antique French cartel wall clock by A. D. Mougin. Beautifully modelled in

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

H 24.75 in W 12.25 in D 5.25 in

Fine Quality French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

A fine quality gilt and patinated bronze library clock surmounted on a white oblong base. Having a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Fine Quality French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

H 20.5 in W 26.75 in D 8 in

French Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

By Maison Deniere

Located in New York, NY

French Louis XVI-style (19th Century) gilt bronze mantle clock with a center fluted column

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

H 26.5 in W 20 in D 7.75 in

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century french gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques circa 1890. Fine quality ornate french

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

H 14.75 in W 15 in D 5.25 in

Fine Quality French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in New York, NY

A very fine French empire style patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock with neoclassical scene

Category

Antique 1870s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 25 in W 12 in D 8 in

19th Century French Gilt Figural Clock Set

Located in Norwalk, CT

An amazing piece dating to the early 19th century. This clock set is of the best quality, a true

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Gilt Figural Clock Set

H 19 in W 16 in D 6 in

Mid 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock, Rococo Style

Located in Vaughan, ON

Measures: 3 4/5 inch/ 350mm High Made in France, Mid 19th century, Gilt Bronze Rococo style

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mid 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock, Rococo Style

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H 13.78 in W 9.85 in D 4.73 in

Large Antique French Rococo Gilt Bronze Candelabra Clock Set

By Samuel Marti

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning and large original antique French gilded bronze clock set. It is of the most beautiful

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique French Rococo Gilt Bronze Candelabra Clock Set

H 19.75 in W 11.75 in D 8 in

A 19th Century French Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Clock by Raingo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A magnificent 19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and patinated bronze clock depicting mother

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A 19th Century French Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Clock by Raingo

H 19.5 in W 21 in D 9 in

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Empire period gilt bronze figural clock representing Amour & Psyche.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock

H 19.5 in W 12.5 in D 4.75 in

French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

A 19th century gilt bronze clock with a seated lady in Ottoman dress resting on cushions with her

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 5.12 in

French Charles X Malachite and Gilt Bronze Figurative Clock

Located in London, GB

French Charles X malachite and gilt bronze figurative clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French Charles X Malachite and Gilt Bronze Figurative Clock

H 24.41 in W 17.72 in D 6.3 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Turning Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Antique French gilt bronze mounted malachite turning mantel clock French, late 19th century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Turning Mantel Clock

H 29.53 in W 11.03 in D 10.04 in

French Gilt Bronze Mounted Marine Themed Automaton Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French gilt bronze mounted marine themed automaton mantel clock French, circa 1850 Measures: With

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Mounted Marine Themed Automaton Mantel Clock

H 35.44 in W 27.56 in D 13 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Clock Set

Located in London, GB

This beautiful three-piece clock set is designed in a French neoclassical style, popular in 19th

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Clock Set

H 15.75 in W 8.67 in D 5.12 in

Large 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine large 19th century French gilt bronze mantel clock modeled in form of a classical lady

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

H 28 in W 27.5 in D 8 in

French Three-Piece Tortoiseshell and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

Located in London, GB

French three-piece tortoiseshell and gilt bronze clock set French, late 19th century Clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Three-Piece Tortoiseshell and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

H 21.66 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in

Gilt Bronze and Lapis French Empire Period Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This exquisite early 19th century mantel clock is mounted with gilt bronze and has benefited from

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu

Gilt Bronze and Lapis French Empire Period Mantel Clock

H 22.45 in W 17.33 in D 5.12 in

Monumental French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Malachite Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very large and impressive 19th century Empire style gilt and patinated bronze malachite mantel

Category

Antique 19th Century European Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Monumental French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Malachite Clock

H 41 in W 32 in D 15 in

Antique French Porcelain, Gilt and Silvered Brass Clock Set

Located in London, GB

, parcel gilt and painted. The clock is also mounted with porcelain plaques which are beautifully painted

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Chinese Export Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Porcelain, Gilt and Silvered Brass Clock Set

H 20.48 in W 11.03 in D 6.7 in

Late 18th Century French Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock

By Jean-Simon Deverberie

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A fine example of a late 18th century Directoir marble and gilt bronze clock after a model by

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Late 18th Century French Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 22 in W 16.75 in D 5 in

French Restauration Period Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Lyre Clock

By Lamy

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A high quality Restauration period mahogany and gilt bronze lyre mantel (fireplace) clock in the

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Restauration Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Restauration Period Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Lyre Clock

H 18 in W 7 in D 4.5 in

French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Putti Clock

By Jules Allard et Fils

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain putti mantel (fireplace) clock in gilded bronze with

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Putti Clock

H 14.5 in W 15.5 in D 5.5 in

Rare French porcelain and gilt bronze mantel clock by Godon

By François-Louis Godon

Located in HAARLEM, NL

gilt bronze flower bouquet. It’s shaped gilt bronzed base, mounted with an ormolu frieze, rest on four

Category

Antique 18th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rare French porcelain and gilt bronze mantel clock by Godon

H 18.51 in W 10.63 in D 6.7 in

Late 19th Century French Gilt Metal Mantel Clock

Located in Cheshire, GB

Late 19th-century French gilt metal mantel clock, surmounted with a classical figure, opposing a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Metal

Late 19th Century French Gilt Metal Mantel Clock

H 15 in W 25 in D 6.5 in

French Champleve Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Garniture

Located in New York, NY

French Champleve Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Garniture three piece set . Includes clock and a pair

Category

Antique 19th Century French More Clocks

Materials

Enamel

French Champleve Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Garniture

H 5 in W 5 in D 10 in

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

19th Century Decorative Objects

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French Gilt Clock For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the French gilt clock you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and ormolu, every French gilt clock was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a French gilt clock — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A French gilt clock is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Louis XVI, Empire and Louis XV styles are sought with frequency. A.D. Mougin, Raingo Frères and Samuel Marti each produced at least one beautiful French gilt clock that is worth considering.

How Much is a French Gilt Clock?

Prices for a French gilt clock start at $250 and top out at $780,456 with the average selling for $8,171.

Finding the Right clocks for You

A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.

Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.

A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.

Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.

On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.

Questions About French Gilt Clock

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I adjust a French mantel clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

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