French Mantel Clocks

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze and white marble figural mantel clock. The finely chased ormolu body, with its original two-tone mercury gilt, centered with a circular enameled porcelain clock face with Roman and Arabic numeral dials and inscribed 'A. Thomas - Fabt de Bronze - 56, Rue de Turenne - Paris', surmounted with a pair of playful seated cherubs amidst clouds and wreaths, the case crowned with a figure of a Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois...

Antique 19th Century French Empire style ormolu bronze mantle clock. The foliate surround gilt dial, Inside with eight day movement with strike on bell. The top mounted with a figure...

A highly unusual and richly conceived three-piece clock garniture, probably French and dating from the late 19th century, comprising a substantial mantel clock and a pair of matching five-light candelabra. The ensemble is distinguished by an exceptionally coherent decorative program centered on griffins and fantastical chimerical creatures. Sculptural griffin forms flank the body of the clock, further griffin heads appear beneath the lateral platforms, while a prominent fantastical mask forms the central element of the lower case. The same imagery is repeated throughout the hand-decorated porcelain panels, creating a remarkable visual relationship between the sculptural mounts and the ceramic decoration. The clock is surmounted by a large polychrome porcelain vessel held within an elaborate gilt-metal mount and decorated in a vivid palette of deep raspberry, turquoise, violet, red and gold. Similar colors and fantastical creatures appear throughout the numerous inset porcelain plaques and on the central dial. Individual black Roman-numeral cartouches surround the dial, contributing to the highly architectural character of the composition. The pair of tall matching candelabra continue the same elaborate decorative vocabulary, with five-light arrangements, scrolling branches, architectural finials, polychrome porcelain elements and griffin-form supports. Stylistically, the garniture belongs to the eclectic Historicist vocabulary of the later 19th century, combining Neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival elements with a more exotic Orientalist or Japonisant sensibility. The pronounced use of fantastical animals, vivid color and elaborate architectural metalwork distinguishes the ensemble considerably from more conventional porcelain-mounted French clock garnitures of the period. Of particular interest, inspection of the porcelain components revealed at least three concealed handwritten inscriptions apparently reading “Gallé” on reverse or interior surfaces. These inscriptions are hidden once the components are assembled and appear to have served a workshop or production-related purpose. The inscriptions are recorded exactly as observed. No definitive documentary attribution to Émile Gallé or the Maison Gallé has presently been established, and any such attribution remains preliminary. Their repetition on several separate porcelain components is nevertheless noteworthy and merits further research. The garniture is exceptionally substantial in construction. The clock alone weighs approximately 10 kg, while each candelabrum weighs approximately 4 kg. The mechanical movement was tested continuously for approximately 24 hours prior to listing. During this test, the clock remained in operation and the striking mechanism functioned correctly. The movement was therefore found to be in good working order at the time of testing. As with any antique mechanical clock...

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

A very impressive fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and Champleve enamel mantle clock. Having a seated cherub above the clock face, and a...

A striking 19th-century mantel clock in the Empire style, crafted in patinated and gilt bronze with a rich contrast between warm brown and burnished gold finishes. The architectural ...

A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantel clock, having wonderful scrolling foliate decoration in the Rococo style, garlands of flowers draped eith...

Napoleon III Mantel clock in Black marble clock surmounted by a patinated bronze representing a Greek writer or philosopher holding the a manuscript on his knees One of a kind an...

Very large Louis XV style gilt bronze mantel clock by Beurdeley French, circa 1880 Measures: Height 102cm, width 48cm, depth 29cm This very large mantel clock...

A striking sculptural mantel clock depicting a hunter sounding his horn, with a long gun in his other hand and a dark-finished deer at his feet. Oak foliage, acorns and a rocky landscape frame the scene above an elaborate Rococo-style case. The figure rewards close inspection: textured clothing, decorative cuffs, buckled straps and carefully defined facial features contrast with the smoother surfaces of the tall boots. A small hunting accessory hangs freely from a twisted-wire suspension, adding a distinctive dimensional detail to the composition. The modelling extends throughout the surrounding foliage and the textured surface of the animal. The richly ornamented case combines scrolling supports, pierced decoration, floral sprays and shell motifs. Two pale inset panels with applied gilt ornaments flank the white enamel dial, which features black Roman numerals, a minute track and open-circle hands. The gilding retains an attractive warm colour and gives the clock a strong decorative presence. The movement bears two stamps: “Vincenti & Cie - Médaille d’Argent” and “Fabrique Edward Barrard & Cie de Paris.” These inscriptions identify the names marked on the movement; the maker of the decorative case remains unconfirmed. The accompanying original winding key is included. Dimensions: Height 42 cm × width 34 cm × depth 13 cm (16.54 × 13.39 × 5.12 inches). Weight: 5.6 kg (12.35 lb) Condition: Good overall antique condition, with well-preserved gilding and light surface wear consistent with age. Localised enamel loss is present around the left winding aperture. Fine lines resembling cracks are visible in the decorative surround beneath the left inset panel. The rear movement opening is uncovered, as shown in the photographs. The movement was tested for 24 hours, during which the clock ran steadily and the striking mechanism operated correctly. This records its performance during the test period and does not constitute a guarantee of future operation or timekeeping accuracy. As with antique mechanical clocks...

A French late 19th century gilt-bronze (ormolu) mantel clock in the Rococo style. This trapeze-shaped clock is supported by four scroll feet, the lower part of the piece is symmetric...

A fine quality gilt and patinated bronze library clock surmounted on a white oblong base. Having a gilt bronze eagle finial in full relief above a ...

Charles X Patinated Bronze and Brass Mounted Verde Antico Marble Figural Clock, circa 1830, surmounted by a seated woman resting on a pedestal with a harp, the circular silver dial, ...

A Fine Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and White Marble Three-Piece Clock Garniture, By François Linke. Comprising a mantle clock and a pair of four-light candelabra. The Louis XVI sty...

Unique vintage French Art Deco solid multicolored marble clock with two matching garnitures. Diamond-shaped silvered dial with black Arabic numerals. Typical period time piece from t...

A Palatial French 19th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze mantel clock by Lemerle-Charpentier bronzier. The large rectangular gilt bronze body surmounted with floral scrolls and acanthus and crowned with an urn with wreath decorations. The circular porcelain enameled clock dial...

Antique French Empire patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 55cm, width 43cm, depth 13cm This fine Empire period mantel clock is wro...

A French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Silk Thread Mantel Clock The neoclassical theme with a lady and a mandolin.The clock retains its original blued steel Breguet style hands. The ...

A distinguished Napoleon III marble mantel clock, retailed by Adolf Fraaier of Amsterdam, dating from the late 19th century. The elegant architectural case is crafted from finely fig...

A Fine Louis XVI-Style Gilt Bronze and White Marble Mantel Clock After a model by Étienne-Maurice Falconet The urn-form pendule à cercles t...

A stunning 19th century French Gilt-Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Four-Glass Mantel Clock, of exceptional quality, this richly ornamented four-glass mantel clock is housed in a finely ...

Marble and gilt bronze clock with mythological decor, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period clock in marble and gilt bronze with a mythological theme...

Unique Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Hand Painted Porcelain Mantel clock C.1870's by Japy Freres This impressive mantel clock in the Napoleon III taste with Sèvres style celeste blue...

Louis XVI ormolu mantel clock depicting a Bacchanal figure with grapes above two seated cupids on patinated goats.

Fireplace clock made of fire-gilt bronze with a rectangular base with a relief depicting winged putti with the attributes of the various sciences. Above it is a clock case in the sha...

This beautiful antique French wooden mantel clock was made in France circa 1900. This chiming clock with pendulum has a uniquely elegant design with clean, rectilinear lines and gent...

A large and impressive early 19th Century French bronze & Sienna marble Clock surmounted with well-cast bust of Jupiter. The Clock, having 8-day s...

A highly decorative French vase clock executed in cobalt blue porcelain with elaborate gilt bronze mounts, produced in the Napoleon III taste during the late 19th to early 20th centu...

A Large and Important Louis Philippe Period Gilt-Bronze Three-Piece Clock Garniture. Attributed to the Feuchère family. The clock movement by Hémon. In the Renaissance revival style. Comprising a clock and a pair of nine-light candelabra. The clock case of architectural out-shape with cherubic term figures supporting a rectangular pediment centred by an urn. The sides of the clock tower cast in relief with strapwork and foliage. The dial inset with enamel Roman numeral chapters. The twin-barrel clock movement with tic-tac escapement, silk suspension and countwheel strike to bell. Pendulum and winding key. The candelabra as twin-handled vases supporting tiered branches with candle nozzles. Modelled en suite with naturalistic scrolls and foliage. Surmounted by finials modelled as an eagle toying with a serpent. The scrolled handles flanked by cherubic figures and serpents. The bodies fronted by bacchic masks and supported on socles bearing angels. France, Circa 1835. The clock movement signed ‘HEMON A PARIS’. The clockmaker Claude Hémon was established at rue de St. Martin circa 1810-1820. Dimensions, the clock: Height : 106 cm 42 inches Width : 58 cm 23 inches Depth : 38 cm 15 inches Weight : 72 kg Dimensions, the candelabra: Height : 104 cm 41 inches Width : 36 cm 14 inches Depth : 36 cm 14 inches Weight : 28 kg (each) This magnificent clock garniture of palatial size is designed in the Renaissance revival style and dates to the Louis Philippe period. Executed in sculptural gilt-bronze with leaves, scrolls, masks and exotic birds, the naturalistic ornament represents an elaborate system of allegories and mythological iconography which recall the influence of Italian Mannerist art in France. The distinctive design reflects a new style which replaced the neoclassism of the French Empire period. With the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, artists and designers sought a new decorative vocabulary with which to aggrandise the Bourbon restoration. With the French revolution and Louis XVI’s execution still within living memory, it seemed too soon for a revival of the style of the Grand Siècle. Instead they looked further back to the time of François I, whose patronage of Italian artists had brought the Renaissance to France. The idea of a renaissance revival appealed to the new Bourbon monarchs and their patronage ignited great creativity in the arts. The reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, who were brothers of the late King, Louis XVI, and later of Louis Philippe I, nicknamed the Citizen King, coincided with the enlightenment and the dawn of the industrial age. Great technical progress was made in metallurgy and casting which raised the art of bronze making to new heights in the hands of great masters such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) and Pierre- Jean-François Denière (1774-1866). The renaissance provided a rich and varied source book in architecture, furniture and other decorative arts for designers such as Claude Aimé Chenavard (1798-1838) whose Album de l’ornemaniste (1835) became a reference work. Léon Feuchère (1804-1857) also produced drawings of interiors, silver, bronzes and furniture and was a scion of the prominent family of bronze castors established by his grandfather Pierre-François Feuchère (1737-1823) who had worked as a gilder for the bronze caster Pierre Gouthière before setting up a bronze foundry that would become one of the largest in Paris under the management of his son Lucien-François (d. 1841) and grand-son Armand (1797-1866). A number of drawings by Léon Feuchère have recently been discovered by the Rijksmuseum and probably belonged to the collection of Louis-Philippe-Albert, duc d’Orléans, comte de Paris (1838-1894). Louis-Philippe-Albert was the grandson of the French king, Louis-Philippe I (1773-1850), who granted him the title of comte de Paris, and the son of Ferdinand-Philippe, duc d’Orléans (1810-1842). Ferdinand-Philippe was an important collector and sponsored many young artists to create metalwork objets d’art, notably a celebrated surtout de table made by Claude-Aimé Chenavard and Jean-Jacques Feuchère (1807-1852), a cousin of Armand and Léon. Principally remembered as a sculptor, Jean-Jacques Feuchère trained in the family foundry and designed small objects, cigar boxes...

A very good quality late 19th Century French champlevé enamel and porcelain clock garniture, set in a gilded ormolu case, the porcelain panels to the clock and urns depicting classic...

Claude Galle, (1759–1815, master in 1786) is one of the most renowned bronziers active during the Napoleonic period, such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire, André-Antoine Ravrio and Louis-S...

An rare model French Empire mantle clock featuring a classical urn with dragon handles. The clock is entirely of gilded bronze with original fire gilding. The urn-shaped case is surm...

An Important French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock “Lettre d’Amour,” Attributed to François-Louis Savart, Paris The clock is formed with a rectangular case rising from a shaped plinth base set on four flattened bun feet. The base displays a continuous frieze cast in relief with two sheep flanking a central urn, framed by scrolling foliage at each end. Above, the main case supports a circular white enamel dial with Roman numerals and two winding apertures, enclosed within a beaded ormolu bezel. Beneath the dial, a rectangular panel is cast with a reclining male figure in a landscape setting, accompanied by trees. To the left, a female figure is seated on a cushion supported by an X form empire stool, her body turned toward the dial. She raises one hand toward her face while a bird rests on her knee, and she holds a circular medallion bearing a profile portrait. To the right, a tripod table stands on three supports formed as winged griffins with lion heads and clawed feet. The table surface holds a writing box with an open lid, a quill, and a candlestick. The surfaces throughout are finished in gilt, with visible chasing across the figures, drapery, and ornamental borders. The clock is attributed to François Louis Savart, a bronzier active in Paris. Savart produced objects in gilt bronze including clocks, candelabra, and decorative mounts. He maintained a workshop in Paris where he developed figural clock models incorporating classical motifs and narrative subjects. Comparable models associated with Savart include figural compositions with seated female figures, auxiliary furniture elements, and narrative relief panels, reflecting established design types within Parisian bronze production. Savart’s workshop operated within the Paris bronze industry, where cast ormolu objects were produced using sand casting followed by chasing and gilding. The construction of this clock case reflects the use of multiple cast components assembled into a unified structure, including separately cast figures, furniture elements, and applied relief panels. The inclusion of tripod tables, X form seating, and winged supports corresponds to design sources drawn from Greco Roman models that were adapted in Empire period decorative arts. The precise casting, crisp chasing, and consistent gilt surface across the figures, mounts, and relief panels indicate a high level of production quality, with the complexity of the assembled components supporting its desirability among Paris ormolu figural clocks...

Superb and extremely rare limited edition Memphis mid-century design blue cement, beaver hair and plexiglas mantel clock by Hilton McConnico for Lanvin, manufactured by Hour Lavigne ...

An extremely elegant and very high-quality French 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu, Bleu Turquin and white Carrara marble clock signed by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre. The clock is rai...

Mid 19th C, France, a highly decorative antique mantel clock enclosed under a glass dome. The clock is made of alabaster, a material often used in neoclassical and empire-style cloc...

A substantial and highly decorative French mantel clock dating to the late 19th century, circa 1890, fitted with a mechanical movement by the renowned French maker Japy Frères. The imposing architectural case is richly modelled in the Baroque Revival taste, with elaborate scrolling foliage, floral ornament, pierced decorative sections and an impressive classical female mask forming the upper crest. The lower section is centred by a heraldic shield surrounded by elaborate scrolling ornament. The case is made from a gilt copper-alloy metal, most likely bronze or brass. The original gilded surface has considerably mellowed with age, leaving a warm darker bronze-gold tone and attractive natural patina throughout. The exact alloy has not been analytically tested. The circular dial combines a decorative metal centre with Roman numeral hour markers and retains its antique character. Both the original front glass and the glazed rear door are present. The French two-train movement bears the Japy Frères medallion. Japy Frères was one of the most important French manufacturers of clock movements during the 19th century. The clock was tested and is currently running. The original pendulum is included; no winding key is supplied. Details: Dimensions: Height 50 cm (19.7 in.); Width 28 cm (11.0 in.); Depth 14 cm (5.5 in.) Weight - 7.5kg Condition: Very good antique condition overall. The case shows natural age-related patina, oxidation and considerable wear/loss to the original gilded surface, giving the metal its present darker bronze-gold appearance. No significant structural damage to the case has been observed. Original front and rear glass are preserved. The clock was tested and is running at the time of listing. Original pendulum included; winding key not included. As with any antique mechanical clock...

Antique Rococo Louis XV style ormolu and patinated bronze clock set by Denière et Fils French, c. 1870 Clock: Height 59cm, width 52cm, depth 23cm Candelabra: Height 71cm, width 33...

An extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. signed 'Lepaute, Paris' ormolu clock. The clock with a superb chasing throughout has all of its original gilt. Raised ...

Art Deco Mahogany Mantel Clock Art Deco mahogany mantel clock housed in a break arch case with geometric fan inlay standing on block feet. Chrome b...

The clock features a winged cupid standing on his chariot drawn by two doves and supported on clouds; cupid holds the reins to two doves which appear to be guiding the chariot. The open 'wheel' of the chariot contains the outer enamel clock dial...

A sculptural and richly worked example of French Art Deco metalcraft, this mantle clock is constructed entirely of hand-forged wrought iron, its arched, bell-shaped silhouette built ...

Mantel clock on an oval marble base, adorned with fire-gilded bronze appliqués. The clock is supported by fully sculpted satyr figures carrying an overflowing gilded fruit basket. Em...

Carl Ranch's eff. small antique mantel clock is a beautiful and unique timepiece crafted in France in the 1850s. The case of this exquisite clock is designed in the Rococo Revival st...

Monumental timepiece in Neoclassical style decorated with fine bronze crater vase on the top of the marble Stella. Clock was produced by renown maker of early 19th century Claude Hém...

Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 15cm The gilt bronze m...

A French restauration period mantle clock having a large patinated bronze eagle with outstretched wings standing on a wreath on top of the clock. The stepped square patinated bronze...

Beautiful little antique clock in the Louis XV style made by the clockmaker Gille l'Ainé in the 19th century. The dial is signed "Gille l'Ainé, à Paris". The curved forms, embellishe...

A figural French Empire clock in gilded bronze representing an allegory on how love nourishes life or “L’Amour alimentant la vie” in French. The clock shows a seated winged Amor refi...

A fine and early ormolu (finely gilded bronze) and Sèvres-style porcelain clock by the renowned maker Achille Brocot, retailed by the illustrious London firm of Charles Frodsham & Co...

The impressive and unusual clock is designed in an architectural form, featuring a cylindrical drum case mounted on a white marble pedestal and surmounted by a red marble urn finial ...

19th Century finely chased and cast dore bronze mantle clock. Porcelain dial in excellent condition. Signed "Millet." Original pendulum. Don't have original key, but can have one made.

A very unusual and quite monumental antique French Louis XVI style Napoleon III ormolu mantel clock by Maison Marquis, the Movement by Languereau, Paris, 1860: surmounted by an urn i...

Large clock in the style of Egyptomania, in marble of different colors, decorated with stylized hieroglyphs, falcons and scarabs. It is topped with a sphinx in patinated bronze. Eg...

Elegant mantel clock in very good condition with front glass and rich bronze decoration in Louis XVI style, having hand painted porcelain front part and raised on a white marble stan...

Triptych clock in gilded and chiseled bronze with carved and gilded wooden bases. The clock with a large rectangular base features finely worked burin d...

Depicting a young woman seated at a table holding a book and looking at a celestial globe, above the central dial signed 'Gaston Jolly Paris' and flanked by two busts.

A superb and highly decorative French automaton lighthouse clock and weather compendium by André Romain Guilmet of Paris, circa 1880, from his celebrated series of Industrial novelty...

This exquisite 19th-century fine gilt-bronze clocks garniture by Joseph Raingo is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. The set features a central clock adorned with intricate f...

Portal clock on rectangular stepped base in mahogany veneer with small squeeze feet and fire-gilded applications in the form of rose festoons. The stepped...