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 Mystery Clock

Gravity Clock

Cartier Jade

Mechanical Wind Up Clocks

Marti Bronze Mantel Clock

Rolling Clock

Novelty Clocks

Conical Clock

Art Nouveau Bronze Clock

Coral and Jade Koi Fish Mystery Clock

$64,500

Coral and Jade Koi Fish Mystery Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This Art Deco-period French mystery clock features a stunning design inspired by Eastern cultures and the natural world.

Category

20th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Coral, Jade, Enamel

French Mystery Gravity Driven Gilt Incline Rolling Clock - No Spring or Battery

$850

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 unusual clock is never wound with a key, but does feature a totally mechanical moveme...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Exceptional French Three Graces Piece Rotary Mystery Clock Set Candelabra Suite

$39,500 / set

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 Roi-de-bleu enamel globe surmounted by Cupid. The globe raised by three patinated ma...

Category

Antique 1880s French Louis XVI More Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

$22,205

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, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

$66,500

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

Rare Mint Original 1900 French Mystery Water Wheel Rolling Ball Industrial Clock This rare French Industrial Waterwheel Clock (circa 1900) is a masterpiece of horological engineering...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

French Style Mystery Big wheel Water Tower Gravity Rolling Ball Industrial Clock

$3,850

French Style Mystery Big wheel Water Tower Gravity Rolling Ball Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

French Style Mystery Great wheel Water Tower Gravity Rolling Ball Industrial Clock For your consideration is the mystery Water Tower Industrial Ball Bearing Clock.

Category

1990s Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Rare Vintage French Style Mystery 8 Day Waterwheel Rolling Ball Industrial Clock

$18,500

Rare Vintage French Style Mystery 8 Day Waterwheel Rolling Ball Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

For your consideration is a mystery Water Wheel Industrial Ball Bearing Clock. It comes with an 8 day movement and keeps very good time!! This water wheel industrial clock has a big ...

Category

Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Small 19th Century Mystery Clock Signed By Ferdinand Gervais

$2,064

Small 19th Century Mystery Clock Signed By Ferdinand Gervais

Located in Charmes, FR

mysterious little clock from the 19th century in patinated and gilded bronze on a marble base manufactured by Ferdinand Gervais in Paris in good condition, it works but has not been ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

$2,850

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 cherub statue upside down ball swinging clock. It has a mechanical movement inside...

Category

Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Gilt Brass and Frosted Glass Mystery Clock by Robert-Houdin

$22,602

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, width 12cm, depth 11cm This intriguing mantel clock from the mid-19th century is by ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mystery Clock, France, 1880

Unavailable

H 11 in Dm 3 in

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, capitol and scrolled footed base, sitting on an onyx platform. Elaborate gold bro...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Onyx

Antique Conical or Mystery Clock, France, 1880

Unavailable

H 24 in W 12 in D 7.75 in

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 accents woman's dress, feet, arms and neck, dress is in natural patina bronze. Suspended...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French swinger (mystery) clock by Auguste Moreau

Unavailable

H 38.19 in W 13.39 in D 17.72 in

French swinger (mystery) clock by Auguste Moreau

By Auguste Moreau

Located in HAARLEM, NL

A very spectacular and monumental bronzed white metal big striking so-called 8-day swinger on griotte marble circular base. These imposing clocks were very much in demand during th...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Metal

French, 19th Century, Robert Houdin Mystery Clock

Unavailable

H 22 in W 8 in D 7 in

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 (circa 1850). A 4.75 inch glass dial raised on bronze with ormulu mounds on a giltwo...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Very Important Exceptional Mystery Art Deco 8th Day Mantel Clock, circa 1931

Unavailable

H 10.24 in W 13.78 in D 3.94 in

Very Important Exceptional Mystery Art Deco 8th Day Mantel Clock, circa 1931

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very important exceptional Mystery Art Deco 8th day mantel clock with great history.

Category

20th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

A. R. Guilmet Mystery Clock

Sold

H 24.5 in W 10.5 in D 8.75 in

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 artistry with mechanical genius.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Mantel Clocks

Materials

Slate, Bronze

19th Century French Black Marble and Bronze Mystery Clock

Sold

H 23 in W 11.5 in D 9 in

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 bronze of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and motherhood.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Etalage Reclame Mystery clock running nicely

Sold

H 9.75 in Dm 7.5 in

Etalage Reclame Mystery clock running nicely

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A stunning clock design by Etalage Reclame. It is mystery clock. It has two disks inside with ethe hand painted on that rotate. We had a new motor put in and it keeps good time. Un...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Clocks

Materials

Metal

French Conical Pendulum Mystery Clock

Sold

H 36.25 in W 17 in D 11.25 in

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 crafted by renowned French clockmaker and mathematician Achille Brocot.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Metal, Bronze

Mystery Clock by Robert Houdin

Sold

H 16 in W 7.5 in D 4.88 in

Mystery Clock by Robert Houdin

By Robert Houdin

Located in New Orleans, LA

A brass-toothed wheel fixed to the edge of this and concealed by the bezel is driven by bezel gears running up through one of the supports. Houdin's clocks are featured and discu...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Mystery Clock by Houdin

Sold

H 13.78 in W 5.32 in D 2.96 in

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 clock' mechanism, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin (French, 1805-1871).

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Large 19th Century Bronzed Spelter Mystery Clock

Sold

H 60 in W 16 in D 16 in

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 carrying an urn with flowers and fruit.

Category

Antique 19th Century French More Clocks

Materials

Spelter

Exceptional French Three-Piece Rotary Mystery Clock Set Maiden Candelabra Suite

Sold

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 Roi-de-bleu enamel globe surmounted by Cupid. The globe raised by three patinated ma...

Category

Antique 1880s French Louis XVI More Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Swinging Mystery Clock La Victoire by Émile Bruchon French, circa 1890

Sold

H 41.5 in W 16 in D 12 in

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. The figure is La Victoire by Émile Bruchon, beautifully and boldly modelled in bro...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau More Clocks

Materials

Spelter

Large Early 19 Century French Bronze Mystery Clock Retailed by M.I. Tobias

Sold

H 36 in W 21 in D 5 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

Antique 1820s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Farcot or Carrier-Belleuse Conical Mystery Clock

Sold

H 110 in W 30 in D 24 in

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

Eugéne Farcot was the most well-known of the French conical clock makers and he helped popularize the unique pendulum escapement.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble

19th Century Mantle Clock with Pedestal Column Base Mystery Style Face Bronze

Sold

H 2.17 in W 2.17 in D 7.49 in

19th Century Mantle Clock with Pedestal Column Base Mystery Style Face Bronze

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare 19th-century small mantle clock of an ornate French pillar or column with original paint and bronze mounts A very lovely ornate c...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rosewood Marquetry and Ormolu Lyre Clock with Mystery Pendulum, Henri Marc 1850

Sold

H 22 in W 10.5 in D 4.75 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, fully overhauled.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine Antique Cobalt Blue Porcelain and Ormolu Lyre Clock with Mystery Pendulum

Sold

H 18.75 in W 8.5 in D 7.5 in

Fine Antique Cobalt Blue Porcelain and Ormolu Lyre Clock with Mystery Pendulum

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A paste jewel set bezel surrounding the clock forms the mystery pendulum, as the clock ticks the jeweled bezel moves from side to side catching the light - see the video below.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Glass Domed Gilt Bronze French Mystery Clock with a Swinging Putto

Sold

H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 4 in

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 and is supported on two scrolling front legs which are supported on a rectangular ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Cartier Prism Mystery Clock

Sold

H 4 in W 3.5 in D 3 in

Cartier Prism Mystery Clock

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

This mystery clock by Cartier, known as a “prism” clock, is a work of exceptional engineering and stylish artistry. Crafted in a sleek Art Deco style with lapis lazuli accents, this ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Quartz

Cartier Prism Mystery Clock

Sold

H 4 in W 3.5 in D 3 in

Cartier Prism Mystery Clock

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

A work of exceptional engineering and stylish artistry, this mystery clock by Cartier is known as a “prism” clock. Crafted in a sleek Art Deco style with simulated lapis lazuli accen...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Quartz, Silver Plate

French Mystery Gravity Driven Gilt Incline Rolling Clock - No Spring or Battery

Sold

H 9.5 in W 21.25 in D 4.53 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 unusual clock is never wound with a key, but does feature a totally mechanical moveme...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Mystery Gravity Driven Gilt Incline Rolling Clock - No Spring or Battery

Sold

H 9.5 in W 21.25 in D 4.53 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 unusual clock is never wound with a key, but does feature a totally mechanical moveme...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mystery Pinwheel Upside Down Skeleton Hanging Swinging Clock with Marble Base

Sold

H 19.5 in W 8 in D 8 in

Mystery Pinwheel Upside Down Skeleton Hanging Swinging Clock with Marble Base

Located in Danville, CA

Here is a very nice looking French style mystery upside down swinging clock. It's in brushed bras with a black marble base.

Category

Early 2000s Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

Sold

H 27 in W 9 in D 9 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 cherub statue upside down ball swinging clock. It has a mechanical movement inside...

Category

Early 2000s Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mystery Clock

Sold

H 27.56 in Dm 7.09 in

Mystery Clock

Located in Paradise Point, Queensland

French spelter mystery clock, Diana the huntress,

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Mantel Clocks

Materials

Spelter

Elephant mystery swinger clock

Sold

H 11 in W 10 in D 5 in

Elephant mystery swinger clock

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A bronzed elephant on oval wood base with upraised trunk holding the swinging clock mechanism

Category

20th Century French Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Guilmet , Mystery Clock with Conical Pendulum, Paris, 1880

Sold

H 22.84 in Dm 11.82 in

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

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Clocks

Materials

Nickel, Brass

A Fine Robert-Houdin 19th Century Gilt Bronze Striking Mystery Clock

Sold

H 16.5 in W 7 in D 5 in

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-19th century.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Metal

Rare Bronzed Late 19th Century Spelter Mystery Striking Clock by Samuel Marti

Sold

H 23 in W 11 in D 8 in

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

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Quality antique Victorian eight day mantle clock

$977

H 8.67 in W 11.82 in D 4.73 in

Quality antique Victorian eight day mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality antique Victorian eight day mantle clock having a quality antique Victorian black marble shaped eight day mantle clock with a black dial and gold numerals, a brass bezel and ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble

Art Deco vase with unidentified sculpted fish decoration

$526

H 6.7 in Dm 7.49 in

Art Deco vase with unidentified sculpted fish decoration

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Small French Art Deco ceramic vase. Blue and brown glazes, sculpted fish decoration all around the vase. Good vintage condition, with some signs of age and use: small chips (see phot...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Gold Plated Bronze Shelf Clock, 19th Century

$4,816

H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 4.34 in

Antique French Gold Plated Bronze Shelf Clock, 19th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Antique French gold plated bronze shelf clock surrounded by the Muse of knowledge on the right side and a column with a sphere on top on the left side. In the middle, the mechani...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Gold

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s

$172

H 9.45 in W 12.21 in D 5.52 in

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s Fish-shaped sculpture in colored and glazed ceramic. The rounded body features front opening with wavy profile. The in...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

palatial 3 pieces clock set in bronze with cherub

$99,000 / set

H 40 in W 19.5 in D 11 in

palatial 3 pieces clock set in bronze with cherub

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Incredible and huge gilded and patinated bronze clock set of three pieces composed of a pair of nine lights candelabra and a clock . The candelabra are supported by a two standing c...

Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock - Fully Restored and Working

$3,342

H 16 in W 9 in D 5.5 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock - Fully Restored and Working

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and highly decorative antique French Baroque drumhead clock, exquisitely cast in richly gilded bronze. The clock is raised upon a cushion-shaped base, beautifully modelled wi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Baroque Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A Fine Late 19th Century French Le Roy and Fils Ormolu Mantel Clock

$5,431

H 16 in W 7.5 in D 5 in

A Fine Late 19th Century French Le Roy and Fils Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Fine Late 19th Century French Le Roy and Fils Ormolu Mantel Clock The ornate case in the Louis XVI style with finely cast and chased ornament, a tribute to the art of the bronzier...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Japy Frères Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Antique French Clock

$2,721

H 12 in W 8.5 in D 5 in

Japy Frères Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Antique French Clock

By Japy Frères

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning original antique French gilt bronze clock by the renown maker Japy Frères. Of architectural form, the case finely cast in gilt-bronze with neoclassical ornament, surmounte...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Edwardian Quality Brass Carriage Clock

$1,127

H 5.71 in W 3.15 in D 2.56 in

Antique Edwardian Quality Brass Carriage Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique Edwardian quality brass carriage clock having a quality brass carriage clock with bevelled edge glass panels, 8 day movement and a shaped carrying handle to the top In good...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

A Gilded Whisper of Time - Vintage LANDEX Mantel Clock with Classical Flourish

$217

H 5.12 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in

A Gilded Whisper of Time - Vintage LANDEX Mantel Clock with Classical Flourish

Located in Bochum, NRW

🎁 A Gift for the Season of Memory As winter draws near and homes fill with candlelight and conversation, this clock becomes more than décor - it becomes a gesture. A gift for the co...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock

$14,500

H 26 in W 23 in D 10 in

A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock

Located in Dallas, TX

A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI gilt bronze mantle clock . Signed by the clockmaker

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A large and unusual articulated koi carp-form Besamin spice box

$1,250

H 6 in W 11.5 in D 3 in

A large and unusual articulated koi carp-form Besamin spice box

Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY

An unusual and finely crafted antique or vintage silver articulated spice box modeled as a koi carp, with hinged and movable elements. In Jewish tradition, a besamim spice box is use...

Category

Early 20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Vintage Ornate Fish Design Pedestal

$1,650

H 25.25 in W 11.75 in D 19.5 in

Vintage Ornate Fish Design Pedestal

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This striking vintage pedestal showcases an ornate sculptural fish design, masterfully rendered in resin and finished to convincingly emulate carved stone. The stylized fish form arc...

Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Pedestals

Materials

Resin

Antique Brass Carriage Clock

$1,018

H 4.73 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in

Antique Brass Carriage Clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

Antique brass carriage clock, dating to the Edwardian era, having a quality brass case, 8 day French movement. Enamelled dial bearing Roman numerals and elegant original hands and be...

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th c. Italian Element Fish Sculpture

$2,650

H 25 in W 20 in D 11 in

19th c. Italian Element Fish Sculpture

Located in Dallas, TX

The 19th c. Italian Fish Sculpture is a decorative piece made of antiques element pieces on a lucite base. This certainly an unusual piece that is sure to make you smile. Very uniq...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite, Wood

Antique French Ormolu Pendule d'Officier Clock - fully restored and working

$3,347

H 8.5 in W 5.25 in D 4.25 in

Antique French Ormolu Pendule d'Officier Clock - fully restored and working

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A fine and beautifully proportioned late 19th century French ormolu Pendule d’Officier clock, conceived in the elegant Louis XVI taste and retaining a wonderfully rich gilt finish. T...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

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Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar

$895

H 28 in W 15 in D 13 in

Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar

Located in Studio City, CA

This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...

Category

20th Century Congolese Folk Art Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Russian Ormolu "Dancing Bear" Sculpture

$1,125Sale Price|25% Off

H 4.75 in Dm 2 in

19th Century Russian Ormolu "Dancing Bear" Sculpture

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

19th century Russian Ormolu "Dancing Bear" sculpture, finely cast figure of a bear holding a twig, standing on a roped revolving, iron pedestal. The simplistic mechanism which allow...

Category

Antique 19th Century Russian High Victorian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Iron, Ormolu

Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style

$2,752

H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 4.4 in

Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style

By Victor Horta

Located in Lisse, NL

Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase. For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Rabbit, Hare Silver Plated Bronze Bookends, A.E.L, 1920s

$1,499Sale Price / set|25% Off

H 6.7 in W 7.09 in D 3.35 in

Art Deco Rabbit, Hare Silver Plated Bronze Bookends, A.E.L, 1920s

By A.E.L.

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

Very nice Art Deco rabbit, hare silver plated bronze bookends. Signed A.E.L. , stamped France and 28. Mounted Over Russian Onix. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Meissen Candlestick with Figurines Gardener Children Model R 185, circa 1870

$2,175

H 7.08 in Dm 5.51 in

Meissen Candlestick with Figurines Gardener Children Model R 185, circa 1870

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Vienna, AT

Meissen Rare Item: Candlestick with Gardener Figurines Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark with Pommels on Hilts Model Number R 185 Former's Number 13 Painte...

Category

Antique 1870s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

French 1940s Jules Lelue Plaster Dove Sconces

$6,500

H 13 in W 10 in D 6.5 in

French 1940s Jules Lelue Plaster Dove Sconces

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of 1940s French Dove sconces by Jules Leleu. Original plaster finish.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Plaster

Antique French Art Nouveau Period Glass Lamp by Daum Studio

$16,370

H 16.54 in Dm 9.06 in

Antique French Art Nouveau Period Glass Lamp by Daum Studio

By Daum

Located in London, GB

This exquisite Art Nouveau lamp is by the celebrated French glasswork studio Daum which was founded in 1878 in Nancy, France. The lamp is inscribed ‘DAUM, NANCY’. The lamp is of ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Gilded Peacock Sculpture in Porcelain and Crystal

$79,693

H 25.6 in W 25.6 in D 13.39 in

Gilded Peacock Sculpture in Porcelain and Crystal

Located in Paris, FR

Sculpture gilded peacock handmade in precious porcelain one by one, feather by feather. Each feather is unique. Made with shiny porcelain, hand-painted with 24-karat gold and preciou...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass

French Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910

$1,500

H 14.56 in W 9.84 in D 9.84 in

French Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910

Located in Miami, FL

Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910 Spectacular jardinière or centerpiece with relief flowers and leaves on the two sides

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Ceramic

Exceptional Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Charger, Turquoise Ground, 18 Inches

$19,700

H 18 in Dm 18 in

Exceptional Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Charger, Turquoise Ground, 18 Inches

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An exceptional and monumental Japanese cloisonné enamel charger of extraordinary artistic and technical quality, Meiji period (1868–1912), circa 1890–1893. Measuring an impressive 18...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Exceptional Large Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Planter Attributed to Goto Seizaburo

$24,500

H 6 in Dm 14 in

Exceptional Large Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Planter Attributed to Goto Seizaburo

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An exceptional and unusually large Japanese cloisonné enamel planter attributed to the celebrated Meiji-period enamel artist Goto Seizaburo (1857–1923), circa 1890. Measuring an impr...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Exceptional French 18K Gold-Mounted Opal Matrix Snuff Box, circa 1800

$34,700

H 1 in W 4 in D 2 in

Exceptional French 18K Gold-Mounted Opal Matrix Snuff Box, circa 1800

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An exceptional French 18-karat gold-mounted opal matrix snuff box, circa 1800, formerly in the distinguished Hartman Collection. Of elegant rectangular form with chamfered corners, ...

Category

Antique Early 1800s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Opal, Gold

Exceptional French Renaissance Revival Jeweled Silver-Gilt Mounted Fluorite Dish

$34,700

H 4 in W 11 in D 6 in

Exceptional French Renaissance Revival Jeweled Silver-Gilt Mounted Fluorite Dish

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An exceptional and highly unusual French Renaissance Revival carved fluorite dish with elaborately chased and engraved silver-gilt mounts, dating to the second half of the nineteenth...

Category

Antique 1880s Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Silver

Rare Indian Mughal-Style White Jade Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Jeweled Casket

$62,500

H 1.5 in W 3 in D 2 in

Rare Indian Mughal-Style White Jade Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Jeweled Casket

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An exceptional and richly jeweled Indian Mughal-style carved white jade casket, dating to the late nineteenth century / early 20th century circa 1890–1920. This remarkable jewel box ...

Category

Antique 1890s Indian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Jade, Gold

Tiffany Studios New York "Greek Key" Table Lamp

$69,500

H 21.75 in Dm 16 in

Tiffany Studios New York "Greek Key" Table Lamp

By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios

Located in New York, NY

An alluring and visually rewarding example of Tiffany Studios New York's great "Greek Key" table lamp. Mottled glass in hues of warm amber and bright sunshine yellow soften the wonde...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Ormolu and Crystal Drinks Set

$11,615 / set

H 14.25 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in

19th Century French Ormolu and Crystal Drinks Set

Located in London, GB

A drinks set of the Napoleon III Period The ormolu rectangular frame, rising from swept feet, with a running arcaded gallery, fitted with a mirror plate base houses a suite of fou...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

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French Mystery Clock For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the French mystery clock you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each French mystery clock for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, stone and bronze. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer French mystery clock, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right French mystery clock, those designed in Art Deco, Louis XVI and Neoclassical styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made French mystery clock over the years, but those crafted by Cartier, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse and Andre Romain Guilmet are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a French Mystery Clock?

Prices for a French mystery clock start at $850 and top out at $745,000 with the average selling for $25,542.

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 Mystery 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.