Antique French Mystery Clocks
French swinger (mystery) clock by Auguste Moreau
By Auguste Moreau
Located in HAARLEM, NL
griotte marble circular base.
These imposing clocks were very much in demand during the great exhibition
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal, Bronze
c.1925 French Mahogany Mystery Turtle Clock
Located in Greenlawn, NY
20th century French japanned mystery turtle clock with a pewter tray.
Case:
The Japanned case has
Category
Early 20th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Wood
c.1900 French Patinated Bronze Two Handed Glass Dial Mystery Clock
Located in Greenlawn, NY
the glass dial mystery clocks, began supplying shops with his pieces around 1838. In the beginning his
Category
Early 1900s French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
By Breguet a Paris
Located in Amersham, GB
This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Exceptional French Three Graces Piece Rotary Mystery Clock Set Candelabra Suite
By Henry Dasson
Located in Roslyn, NY
Exceptional 19th century, French 'Three Graces' annular dial clock, bronze and marble clock, with
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
H 30 in W 12 in D 12 in
Exceptional French Three-Piece Rotary Mystery Clock Set Maiden Candelabra Suite
By Henry Dasson
Located in Roslyn, NY
Exceptional 19th century, French 'Three Graces' annular dial clock, bronze and marble clock, with
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
H 30 in W 12 in D 12 in
French Mystery Gravity Driven Gilt Incline Rolling Clock - No Spring or Battery
Located in Danville, CA
French Style Mystery Gravity Driven Gilt Incline Rolling Clock - No Spring or Battery
This very
Category
Early 20th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass
H 9.5 in W 21.25 in D 4.53 in
Robert Houdin Mystery Magic Clock
By Robert Houdin
Located in Danville, CA
A rare mystery clock, attributed to famous French magician and mechanic, Jean Robert-Houdin. This
Category
Late 19th Century Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock Depicting Cupid & Psyche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite early 19th century French Empire hand-chiseled ormolu mantel clock. Set on bracket feet
Category
19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Antique Gilt Brass and Frosted Glass Mystery Clock by Robert-Houdin
By Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin
Located in London, GB
Antique gilt brass and frosted glass mystery clock by Robert-Houdin
French, c. 1850
Height 35cm
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass
Bras En L'air French Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This bras en l'air, or "arms in the air," French mantel clock demonstrates the neoclassical luxury
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
French Charles X Musical Ormolu Mantel Clock of Gaius Marius Signed Robert Houdi
By Robert Houdin
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare antique French Charles X period ormolu musical mantel clock of Gaius Marius
Category
1820s French Charles X Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
H 23 in W 17 in D 8 in
French Louis XV Style Black Chinoiserie Lyre Clock, Guilmet Paris, 19th Century
By Andre Romain Guilmet
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A rare 19th century French Louis XV style black chinoiserie lyre clock with raised decoration
Category
Mid-19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Wood
H 19.25 in W 8.5 in D 7.25 in
Extremely rare French 'pendule industrial'
Located in HAARLEM, NL
exhibition catalogue p. 275 and in: Derek Roberts, 'Mystery, novelty and fantasy clocks', Atglen
Category
19th Century Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass
Automaton Beam Engine Clock by Andre Guilmet
By Andre Romain Guilmet
Located in Amersham, GB
A novelty mantel clock in the form of an industrial beam engine by Andre Romain Guilmet, dating
Category
1870s French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Clock with Singing Bird Automaton by Bontems
By Bontems
Located in Zonhoven, BE
Paris.
This French pendulum clock runs for 8 days, strikes the half hour and full hour. The pendulum is
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal, Other, Enamel, Gold Plate
Blaise Bontems Musical Automaton Singing birds and Clock under glass dome
Located in Leuven , BE
commanded prices of £12, or £18 for rarer specimens featuring a clock (refer to D. Roberts, Mystery, Novelty
Category
19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal
H 13.78 in W 9.06 in D 4.73 in
Charles Oudin Silver Chatelain Cartouche Bezel Pendant Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
Oudin was a premier watchmaker in France. He is renowned for this invention of the Mystery Watch which
Category
1820s French Antique French Mystery Clocks
People Also Browsed
Mid Century Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
A nice example of A Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, Embassy, signed Jaeger Le Coultre, with red and black faux marble panels, base with stop lever, dial with Roman chapter ring and vis...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
50 Million Year Old Fossil Crocodile Specimen (Green River Formation, Wyoming)
By Green River Fossil Company
Located in Logan, UT
This sculptural stone specimen features an extraordinarily rare crocodile (Borealosuchus wilsoni), who ruled as the apex predator in the ancient lake known to scientists today as Fos...
Category
2010s American Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Limestone
H 49 in W 90 in D 2.75 in
Exceptional Mahogany and Ormolu-Mounted Bibliotheque
Located in London, GB
The overhanging foliate cornice above a frieze with reliefs of female and male figures surmounted by ribbon ties and flanked by foliage and laurel leaves, above two pairs of glazed d...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Robert Salleroli American Abstract Wood Assemblage Monumental Cabinet
By Robert Salleroli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Looking for a statement piece to add to your home or office? Look no further than this one-of-a-kind monumental cabinet, by Robert Salerolli, purchased directly from the original cli...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Wood, Birch
Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrusted to the company Cuel & Cie and mo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Fine Taxidermy 5 Meter Nile Crocodile by Sinke & Van Tongeren
By Sinke & Van Tongeren
Located in Haarlem, NL
KING OF THE MUSEUM
Since we started, we always wanted to make a very large crocodile. Wishful thinking, we thought it was. But now we were able to do so. We were lucky we could obta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Victorian Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Animal Skin
Rare Boj Brass Turtle Hotel Call Bell by Eibar, Spain, 1960s
Located in L'Escala, ES
This 1960s hotel call turtle bell is made by BOJ, Eibar, Spain.
The golden metal turtle has a glazed carapace in all different colors.
The bell has to be wind-up, it rings by pushi...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Cast Metal Plant Stands or Pedestals with Figural Dragon Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of two closely matched cast pedestals or plant stands are unsigned, but presumed to have been made in the late Victorian period and style in the United States. Both have orn...
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal
H 30 in W 13 in D 13 in
Limited Edition Mid-Century Calendar Clock by Devon Clocks
Located in Amersham, GB
This unusual astrological calendar clock was designed by John Mercer Of Exeter, for the Devon Clock Company as part of the Heritage Collection. This example is numbered 31 of 500 and...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass
Italian 19th Century Carved Walnut Cassone Chest with Putti and Winged Dragons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Large Italian Florentine 19th Century Baroque Revival Style Carved Walnut Figural Cassone Chest on Stand. The ornately carved drop-front cassone with an allegorical in-rel...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Walnut
H 52.13 in W 83.5 in D 29.75 in
Italian Silver Puerperal Cup or Small Soup Tureen, Milan Circa 1830
Located in Milano, IT
Silversmith L. B.
Small silver soup tureen or puerperal cup with plate and lid
Milan, around 1830
Height 19.5 cm (7.67 in) - diameter 21.7 cm (8.54 in)
lb 2.14 (kg 0.97)
State of con...
Category
1830s Italian Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Sterling Silver
Maison Chopard Genève, Desk Clock in Metal
By Chopard
Located in Beaune, FR
Lovely gilt metal desk clock. It rests in its original box. Small silver recognition plaque inside. This small clock is in very good condition. It has a few micro scratches on the ba...
Category
20th Century European Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal
Very Rare 19th Century Coromandel Veneered Year-Running Clock by Thomas Cole
By Achille Brocot, Thomas Cole (Clockmaker)
Located in London, GB
A Superb Coromandel-Veneered Mantle Clock
The case constructed of very well-figured Coromandel giving the maximum amount of decorative effect, with gilt bronze accents; the plinth...
Category
19th Century English Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
H 23 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
Set of Monumental Bronze Egyptian Figures
By Charles Cameron
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Russian (19th Century) monumental bronze Egyptian figures emblematic of the Months on painted bases after those by C. Cameron & M. Alexandrov for the Egyptian Vestibule at P...
Category
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th C. Italian Carved Walnut Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th century Italian walnut cassone. It has two carved lion paw feet in the front. The carving depicts a center cartouche flanked by two scrolled vines ending in center flowe...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Walnut
French Marble, Onyx, Enamel and Ormolu Pedestal Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful French vitrine clock styled in the Moroccan taste is an exquisite work of artistry and craftsmanship. Featuring a clock, thermometer and barometer, no detail has been ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Moorish Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Recent Sales
Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mystery Clock, France, 1880
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare French, gold bronze swinging arm clock mounted on an onyx column with gold bronze acorn finial
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Onyx
Antique Conical or Mystery Clock, France, 1880
Located in Chicago, IL
A gold bronze statue of a Grecian Woman, supported by a royal rouge marble clock. Gold bronze
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French, 19th Century, Robert Houdin Mystery Clock
By Robert Houdin
Located in London, Nottinghill
(Robert Houdin 1805-1870)
A very rare tall Houdin mystery clock from around the mid-19th century
Category
Mid-19th Century French Rococo Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
An Extremely Rare 'Pendule Industrial' in the Shape of a Wind Mill with Automaton, Barometer and 2 Thermometers circa 1880
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
catalogue p. 275 and in: Derek Roberts, 'Mystery, novelty and fantasy clocks', Atglen, Pennsylvania, United
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Cartier Diamond Pearl and Onyx Watch, Art Deco, Paris, c. 1920
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
century with many iconic designs such as mystery clocks, Tutti Frutti jewelry and the Panthère line. In
Category
1920s French Art Deco Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Platinum, Gold
Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu Sconces After André-Charles Boulle
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Pasadena, CA
French Protestants and some are from Gelderland in Holland
J. Paul Getty Museum: Wall Clock
Category
Mid-19th Century Louis XV Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
A. R. Guilmet Mystery Clock
By Andre Romain Guilmet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning French mystery clock by A.R. Guilmet is a delight to behold, combining captivating
Category
19th Century French Other Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Slate, Bronze
19th Century French Black Marble and Bronze Mystery Clock
By Samuel Marti
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare and elegant 19th-century French mystery clock is crowned by a graceful Neoclassical
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
French Conical Pendulum Mystery Clock
By Achille Brocot
Located in New Orleans, LA
A beautiful example of French horology at its finest, this conical pendulum mystery clock was
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Alabaster, Metal, Bronze
Mystery Clock by Robert Houdin
By Robert Houdin
Located in New Orleans, LA
An unquestionable horological rarity, this regal gilt bronze mystery clock is the work of Jean
Category
19th Century French Other Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Mystery Clock by Houdin
By Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin
Located in London, GB
This is an exceptional and rare clock by the famous French magician and inventor of the 'mystery
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Large 19th Century Bronzed Spelter Mystery Clock
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality French bronzed Spelter mystery clock, depicting a classically draped women
Category
19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Spelter
Large Swinging Mystery Clock La Victoire by Émile Bruchon French, circa 1890
By Emile Bruchon
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
Standing at 3 1/2 ft in height this is the rare large version of the French swinging mystery clock
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Spelter
H 41.5 in W 16 in D 12 in
Large Early 19 Century French Bronze Mystery Clock Retailed by M.I. Tobias
Located in New York, NY
Very fine quality and large Early 19 century French gilt bronze mystery clock retailed by M.I
Category
1820s French Empire Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Congreve Clock
By French Royal Exchange London
Located in New Orleans, LA
Case: 17 5/8" wide x 17 1/2" deep x 24 5/8" high
Reference:
Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks,1999
Category
19th Century British Neoclassical Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Silver, Brass
Farcot or Carrier-Belleuse Conical Mystery Clock
By EUGÈNE FARCOT OF PARIS Also known as HENRY EUGÈNE ADRIEN FARCOT (1830-1896), Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in New Orleans, LA
, the clock was crafted by two of France's most important artisans of the late 19th century, Eugéne
Category
19th Century French Other Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble
19th Century Mantle Clock with Pedestal Column Base Mystery Style Face Bronze
Located in GB
French pillar or column with original paint and bronze mounts
A very lovely ornate clock, the clock
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
H 2.17 in W 2.17 in D 7.49 in
Rosewood Marquetry and Ormolu Lyre Clock with Mystery Pendulum, Henri Marc 1850
By Henri Marc, Paris 1
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
Rosewood and Ormolu Lyre clock with mystery pendulum
French, circa 1850
Excellent condition
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
H 22 in W 10.5 in D 4.75 in
Fine Antique Cobalt Blue Porcelain and Ormolu Lyre Clock with Mystery Pendulum
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
bezel surrounding the clock forms the mystery pendulum, as the clock ticks the jeweled bezel moves from
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
H 18.75 in W 8.5 in D 7.5 in
French Industrial Battleship Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
Taking the form of a battleship, this French automaton clock is a spellbinding example of the
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
French Spherical Weight Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This French spherical weight mantel clock is as much a mechanical wonder as it is a work of art
Category
19th Century French Other Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Brass
French Annular Clock by Leroy & Cie
By LeRoy
Located in New Orleans, LA
piece exemplifies the French clock-making expertise of the 19th century. L. Leroy & Cie., who were well
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
French Bras En L'air Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This very rare and spectacular French bras en l'air (arms in air) mantel clock features a lovely
Category
19th Century French Other Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Enamel
The Congreve Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
Case: 17 5/8" wide x 17 1/2" deep x 24 5/8" high
Reference:
Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks
Category
19th Century English Antique French Mystery Clocks
c.1780 Swedish Tall Case Clock
Located in Chicago, IL
Swedish clock case that was purchased in France.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Swedish Antique French Mystery Clocks
French Automaton Industrial Locomotive Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
example of the Industrial series of clocks popular in French horology during the late 19th century
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
French Automaton Battleship Industrial Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
mechanical wonder.
French Industrial clocks are among the most creative and diverse timepieces of their
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Egyptian Revival Three-Piece Clock Garniture Flanked, Obelisk France, circa 1880
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A powerful expression of the cultural curiosity in the mysteries and discoveries of ancient Egypt
Category
1880s French Egyptian Revival Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Siena Marble, Slate, Bronze, Metal
H 17 in W 16 in L 17 in
c.1895 Automated Steam Engine Industrial Clock
By Andre Romain Guilmet
Located in Greenlawn, NY
the largest and most complex.
Ref:
For additional information on Industrial Clocks see: ‘Mystery
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Verger Freres Paillet Belle Epoch Pendant Watch, circa 1910s
By Verger Frères
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
‘Mystery Clocks’ (Cartier being the other) and their desk and mantel clocks were unquestionably some of the
Category
1910s French Belle Époque Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
19th Century Glass Domed Gilt Bronze French Mystery Clock with a Swinging Putto
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19th century French swinging putto ‘mystery’ clock. The clock drum has a gilded bronze bezel
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 4 in
Mystery Water Wheel Rolling Ball Gravity Driven Bronze Regulator Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Here we are offering a fantastic mystery Ferris wheel bearing ball driven crystal regulator clock
Category
Early 20th Century Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
H 23.5 in W 11.75 in D 9.13 in
27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Rare Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock
An excellent tall lady double
Category
Early 20th Century Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Bronze
H 27 in W 9 in D 9 in
Mystery Clock
Located in Paradise Point, Queensland
French spelter mystery clock,
Diana the huntress,
Category
1910s French Art Nouveau Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Spelter
Guilmet , Mystery Clock with Conical Pendulum, Paris, 1880
Located in Mexico City, D.F.
Mystery clock by Andre Romain Guilmet, circa 1880, three legs compass on world clock.
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Nickel, Brass
A Fine Robert-Houdin 19th Century Gilt Bronze Striking Mystery Clock
Located in London, Nottinghill
A fine and rare patinated and gilt bronze mystery clock by Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Paris, mid
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Metal
Rare Bronzed Late 19th Century Spelter Mystery Striking Clock by Samuel Marti
Located in London, Nottinghill
This stunning bell striking movement by S. Marti has a Brocot escapement and is attached to a complex counter-balanced pendulum mounted to the side and connected to the child above, ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique French Mystery Clocks
Early 19th Century French Skeleton Antique Clock Simulating Perpetual Motion
Located in London, Nottinghill
depicted in Derek Roberts' 'Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks' Book. This very rare piece has a mainspring
Category
1820s Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
8.5 Foot Tall 17th Century Portrait Oil Painting of Sir Christopher Wren
By Sir Peter Lely
Located in Gallatin, TN
Jane Perry, the daughter of a prosperous London merchant.
She was a mystery to Wren’s friends and
Category
17th Century Academic Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Canvas, Oil
H 103 in W 74 in D 5.5 in
Fine Black Forest Carving by Johann Grossmann
By Johann Grossmann
Located in St. Louis, MO
.
The meaning of “BFL/CFL” near the back remains a mystery. They might be the initials of apprentices
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique French Mystery Clocks
Materials
Walnut
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Antique French Mystery Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of antique French mystery clocks available for sale. Frequently made of metal, bronze and ormolu, all antique French mystery clocks available were constructed with great care. Antique French mystery clocks have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Antique French mystery clocks are generally popular furniture pieces, but Louis XVI, Empire and louis xv styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Andre Romain Guilmet and Robert Houdin each produced beautiful antique French mystery clocks that are worth considering.
How Much are Antique French Mystery Clocks?
Antique French mystery clocks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $18,960, while the lowest priced sells for $1,750 and the highest can go for as much as $65,000.
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 Antique French Mystery Clocks
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Check 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.
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