Mantel clock - - Gilt brass - 1850-1900

Fine French Gilt-Brass and Polychrome Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock, circa 1880–1890

France, late 19th century. Movement stamped CHLES MT, numbered 20331.

A finely executed French architectural mantel clock in gilt brass, richly decorated with polychrome champlevé enamel in turquoise, cobalt blue, pink, green and red, featuring intricate floral and foliate motifs.

The architectural case is supported by four elegantly turned columns and surmounted by an enamelled domed roof with five ornamental finials. The circular gilt dial features twelve individually applied white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, an elaborately enamelled floral centre, black steel hands and a hinged glazed bezel.

Below the dial, an ornate pierced gilt-brass decoration stands before a large rectangular champlevé enamel panel. The clock rests on a stepped rectangular base raised on four decorative feet.

The French eight-day mechanical movement strikes on a bell and bears the stamp CHLES MT, serial number 20331, a mark documented on quality Parisian clock movements of the late 19th century, including examples associated with Maison Eugène Baguès.

Dimensions: 35 × 19 × 14.5 cm (height × width × depth).

Condition: Very good antique condition. The enamel decoration is exceptionally well preserved, without apparent chips, cracks or losses. Minor age-related wear and patination to the gilt-brass surfaces. Complete with pendulum, bell and winding key. The clock is overall in working order.

An attractive example of French decorative clockmaking from the late 19th century, distinguished by its elaborate architectural design and exceptionally well-preserved polychrome champlevé enamel.