Figural mantel clock - Metal, Brass - 1880-1920
00
days
23
hours
44
minutes
59
seconds
Current bid
€ 190
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 300 - € 350
 | €190 | |
|---|---|---|
| €170 | |
| €150 | |
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This French figurative mantel clock, made of metal and brass, dates from 1880–1920 and is in the Napoleon III historicist style.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Monumental Napoleon III Mantel Clock – France, 19th Century – Gilt Metal and Marble – Working
Magnificent and imposing antique mantel clock, believed to be of French manufacture, dating from the second half of the 19th century and made in the decorative and artistic style of the Napoleon III period.
The clock features an extraordinary sculptural composition in gilt metal, richly worked and distinguished by a group of allegorical figures, architectural elements, and ornamental decorations.
Artistic description
On the left is a male figure in historical costume, wearing a feathered headdress, richly draped garments, and a solemn expression.
On the right is an imposing rampant lion, a traditional symbol of strength, courage, and power.
The top is crowned with an elaborate military trophy composed of halberds, axes, spears, and other weapons, arranged in a dramatic composition.
At the center is an elegant white circular dial with black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and ornamental hands.
The dial has two winding holes, consistent with a spring-driven mechanical movement equipped with a striking mechanism.
Base and decorations
The entire composition rests on a substantial architectural base of light-colored stone, apparently marble, enhanced with numerous gilt-metal appliqués.
The base features rich floral friezes, botanical motifs, scrolls, raised decorations, and elaborate ornamental feet.
The workmanship on the lower front section is particularly refined, with a symmetrical arrangement of botanical elements and gilt decorations.
The piece is a significant example of the historicist and monumental taste typical of 19th-century furnishings.
Technical details
* Type: monumental mantel clock
* Period: believed to be the second half of the 19th century
* Country of origin: probably France
* Style: Napoleon III / historicist
* Materials: gilt metal and light-colored stone, presumably marble
* Movement: mechanical, manually wound
* Dial: white with Roman numerals
* Winding: two holes on the dial
* Decorative subjects: male figure, rampant lion, and arms trophy
* Function: working clock
Pendulum missing.
Condition
The clock is in good overall condition, consistent with its age, and retains its rich gilt decoration and elaborate sculptural details.
There are normal signs of age and slight surface wear.
An adhesive label is partially detached on the dial near the numeral II, as shown in the photographs. This is not an abrasion to the dial.
The mechanical movement is working.
No professional servicing is documented, and the striking mechanism has not been tested separately.
Collector's interest
A clock with considerable aesthetic and decorative impact, particularly appealing to collectors of antique clocks, French antiques, and historic furnishings.
The richly sculpted figures, elaborate architectural structure, and imposing dramatic presence make it an elegant furnishing accessory for classical interiors, historic residences, and private collections.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and document the item's actual condition.
Monumental Napoleon III Mantel Clock – France, 19th Century – Gilt Metal and Marble – Working
Magnificent and imposing antique mantel clock, believed to be of French manufacture, dating from the second half of the 19th century and made in the decorative and artistic style of the Napoleon III period.
The clock features an extraordinary sculptural composition in gilt metal, richly worked and distinguished by a group of allegorical figures, architectural elements, and ornamental decorations.
Artistic description
On the left is a male figure in historical costume, wearing a feathered headdress, richly draped garments, and a solemn expression.
On the right is an imposing rampant lion, a traditional symbol of strength, courage, and power.
The top is crowned with an elaborate military trophy composed of halberds, axes, spears, and other weapons, arranged in a dramatic composition.
At the center is an elegant white circular dial with black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and ornamental hands.
The dial has two winding holes, consistent with a spring-driven mechanical movement equipped with a striking mechanism.
Base and decorations
The entire composition rests on a substantial architectural base of light-colored stone, apparently marble, enhanced with numerous gilt-metal appliqués.
The base features rich floral friezes, botanical motifs, scrolls, raised decorations, and elaborate ornamental feet.
The workmanship on the lower front section is particularly refined, with a symmetrical arrangement of botanical elements and gilt decorations.
The piece is a significant example of the historicist and monumental taste typical of 19th-century furnishings.
Technical details
* Type: monumental mantel clock
* Period: believed to be the second half of the 19th century
* Country of origin: probably France
* Style: Napoleon III / historicist
* Materials: gilt metal and light-colored stone, presumably marble
* Movement: mechanical, manually wound
* Dial: white with Roman numerals
* Winding: two holes on the dial
* Decorative subjects: male figure, rampant lion, and arms trophy
* Function: working clock
Pendulum missing.
Condition
The clock is in good overall condition, consistent with its age, and retains its rich gilt decoration and elaborate sculptural details.
There are normal signs of age and slight surface wear.
An adhesive label is partially detached on the dial near the numeral II, as shown in the photographs. This is not an abrasion to the dial.
The mechanical movement is working.
No professional servicing is documented, and the striking mechanism has not been tested separately.
Collector's interest
A clock with considerable aesthetic and decorative impact, particularly appealing to collectors of antique clocks, French antiques, and historic furnishings.
The richly sculpted figures, elaborate architectural structure, and imposing dramatic presence make it an elegant furnishing accessory for classical interiors, historic residences, and private collections.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and document the item's actual condition.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Clock type
Figural mantel clock
Material
Brass, Metal
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power reserve
more day movement
Striking
Not striking
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
50 cm
Width
43 cm
Depth
18 cm
Estimated period
1880-1920
Weight
6300 g
Winding key
No
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