Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the elephant clock used for?

1 Answer
What is the elephant clock used for?
The infamous elephant clock was primarily used to tell time but was also a status symbol and representation of wealth. Its unique movement received power from running water. You can find a range of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Elephant Clock on 1stDibs
Antique Samson Porcelain and Ormolu Chinoiserie Elephant Clock
By Samson Porcelain Factory 1
Located in London, GB
Antique Samson porcelain and ormolu Chinoiserie elephant clock French, Late 19th Century Height
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th C Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Elephant Clock Signed by Barreau F. de Bronzes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent Louis XV style French gilt bronze elephant clock, signed by Barreau F. de Bronzes
Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) rare Asian elephant clock, in gilded and patinated
By Christophe Fratin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
base This beautiful elephant clock was made in the 19th century by the Animalier sculptor Christophe
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Meissen-modeled elephant and figure, original hand-modeled flower stems, and a signed royal clock movement
Category

Antique 18th Century German Chinoiserie Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Blue Porcelain Elephant Clock Set in the Chinoiserie Style
Located in London, GB
with gilt highlights, Algerian onyx and bronze, and comprising a gilt-bronze cased clock with an eight
Category

Antique 19th Century French Chinoiserie Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Art Deco Clock Set ~ Elephants
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A beautiful and high quality Art Deco clock set featuring two elephants standing beside the clock
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Shop All