Spelter Mantel Clocks

Elegant French Victorian era gilt bronze mounted alabaster antique mantel clock / shelf clock, attributed to master Parisian sculptor P.H. Mourey (1840-1910), with movement by renowned clockmaker Japey Frères (1776-1930s) circa 1870 Paris, France, second half of the 19th century, executed in luxurious Louis XVI taste, tastefully appointed, the neutral alabaster creates the perfect backdrop against the brilliant gilding. Having a soft, warm, creamy off-white alabaster base with subtle chalky beige undertones, shaped, with rounded sides, step molding and two hand-painted blue enamel parcel gilt turned tapering urn forms, raised on brass feet, decorated with lavish gilt metal ornamentation, including accents, ormolu flaming urn finials, unique recessed gilt brass perforated-like textured panels, and sculptural gilt bronze raised drum-form case, housing the classic white porcelain enameled dial with black Roman numerals, sophisticated gold-tone Breguet hands, framed by a beaded bezel, with must likely the original operational 8-day key-wind Japy Fils movement enclosed. Surmounted by an ornate brilliantly gilded spelter figural sculpture, finely detailed, depicting young boy and girl courting, holding a bird's nest with eggs over the housing, with large branching tree behind them, the couple posed leaning in to each other, wavy garb with incised detailing, standing on the alabaster base. Philippe H. Mourey (French, 1840-1910) was a master French sculptor, who produced a range of fine decorative art objects in the late 19th century. His work often combines painted porcelain panels and gilt metal mounts, similar to elements of this piece. PH Mourey was best known for his association with Japy Freres & Co. the noted 19th century Paris Clockmaker, and maker of this clocks movement. Mourey’s work can be viewed in various museums, especially in France, as well as major art collections, including the Royal Collection Trust in London. The Japy Frères workshop (1776-1930s) was started by Frédéric Japy in 1776 under a different name, eventually the iconic French clock and watchmaking firm was founded in 1806 by Frédéric Japy along with his sons, Pierre, Fritz and Louis, thus creating the trademark we know today, ‘Japy Freres’ or (Japy Brothers). Japy Frères won a number of medals at important exhibitions and achieved international recognition throughout much of the nineteenth century, including the prestigious Grand Medal of Honour, which was awarded to Japy in 1855 at the important Exposition Universelle Paris. - MARKS / SIGNED / HALLMARKED: Works stamped "Japy Fils depos 1855 medailler 1844 1840" circular medallion; "RS" within square, "2949" "55" Case housing: stamped "44", case underside "44" written in pencil, incised "IX", elaborate illegible writing in pencil, last word may say "Richebois?", possibly where the clock was to be sent or who it was commissioned by PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: 09/2024- Acquired from the reputable auction house, Dallas Auction Gallery, Dallas Texas. Great Estates, Fine Art, Furniture & Design auction catalog, lot#0064 Owned and curated by Reyne Hirsch, a long time media personality and expert in 20th century decorative arts. Hirsch was a top appraiser for Antiques Roadshow on PBS for 13 years. She's also a leading contributer to the Huffington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, amongst other publications. Hirsch has also founded highly regarded permanent art galleries as well as important exhibits throughout the United States. DIMENSIONS: (approx) 12" Tall, 12" Wide, 5" Deep CONDITION REPORT: Good original unrestored antique condition, especially considering its age, attractive appearance, patina, bright lustrous gilding, and working movement. Nicely aged patina over the whole, antique character and charm throughout, including rubbing to blue enamel with significant losses, age related patination, oxidation, tarnishing throughout, minor chips, nicks, abrasions to alabaster edges, all typical wear consistent with age, use, handling and exposure. Currently working, observed operating over long periods and keeping accurate time. Key, pendulum and bell included. Please note, as with all antique clocks...

Outstanding quality antique Victorian spelter figure mantle clock, having a quality 19th century gilt spelter figure mantel clock, with a seated lady to the side of the enamelled dia...

The Gilt-Metal Plato Desk Flip Clock, made in Germany, features a cylindrical case adorned with intricately embossed ornamentation, reflecting the craftsmanship associated with Germa...

A spectacular French Mantel Clock with dated works marked 1858. The works Are Marked V & E with a Figured Bee between the two letters. The bell is inscribed Moreau, so the Clio figur...

Diana the Huntress , Art Deco Clock Sculpture by the renowned French artist Limousin who was working in Paris during the 1920s -30s - signed to the back of the lady's cape. Streamlin...

This fine antique French mantel clock radiates pure delight. The white dial clock in the center with its Roman numerals is guarded by two cheerful bro...

A Louis XVI style French mantel clock, with Sèvres Porcelain panels. The clock is made of casted spelter (zinc alloy) and has a gilt finish. On each side a porcelain portrait of Quee...

A stunning antique French clock set in gilt spelter. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period. It is of very fine quality and is beautifully sculpted, depi...

An exceptional French Neoclassical style ormolu mounted onyx mantel clock by Samuel Marti et Cie, imported into America and retailed and sold in 1916 by Mermod, Jaccard & King Jewelry, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. Handcrafted in France in the early 20th century, featuring a gilded spelter figural topper of a classical woman, over the beautiful white onyx case, housing the white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals, eight day time and strike movement stamped Samuel Marti et Cie, Paris, ornate gilded bezel, flanked by gilt bronze ormolu mounts with face. Samuel Marti was one of the prolific French clockmakers of the 1800s. Along with Japy Freres and Roux, they set up a business in 1863 to market their clock movements...

Antique 19th century French spelter and onyx clock having a quality painted dial, original hands and eight day movement striking on the hour and half hour on a bell. A beautiful qual...

For your consideration is this very charming Art Deco 8 day clock, originating from France and dating to the late 20's early 30's. The tri coloured marble casing is supported on four...

Decorate a mantel with this elegant antique clock, crafted in New York by Ansonia Clock Company and dated 1881, the clock stands on curved feet and features a carved sculpture of the...