French Automaton Clock
Antique 19th Century French Other Wall Clocks
Paint
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks
Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century French Mantel Clocks
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Wall Clocks
Brass
Antique 1890s French Mantel Clocks
Marble, Bronze, Copper
Antique 1870s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Antique 1890s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass
Vintage 1980s Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass
20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Granite, Metal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Metal, Gold Plate, Enamel, Other
Antique 19th Century French Baroque Decorative Art
Paint
Antique 1880s French Decorative Art
Gesso
Antique 19th Century French Taxidermy
Metal
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Industrial Clocks
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Industrial Mantel Clocks
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Mantel Clocks
Ormolu
Antique 1880s French Victorian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Silver Plate, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Metal, Gold Plate, Other, Enamel
Antique 1830s French Romantic Mantel Clocks
Ormolu
Antique 1890s French Industrial Mantel Clocks
Copper, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Late 20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass
Antique 1870s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Antique 1880s French Neoclassical More Clocks
Bronze
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Carrara Marble
20th Century Danish Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble
Vintage 1950s French Musical Instruments
Fabric, Glass, Wood
20th Century Taxidermy
Animal Skin
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bird Cages
Walnut, Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century Baroque Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier North African Natural Specimens
Stone
17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Cut Glass
Antique Mid-19th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items
Brass, Bronze
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Marble
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Cabinets
Ormolu
French Automaton Clock For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Automaton Clock?
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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How 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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