What is a French clock garniture?

A French clock garniture is a decorative set originating in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, typically comprising a central mantel clock flanked by two matching side pieces such as urns, candelabras, or figurative sculptures.

What materials were used in late nineteenth-century French figural clock sets?

These sets were frequently crafted from patinated spelter or bronze, mounted on slate, marble, or wooden bases, and fitted with brass mechanical clock movements.

How do you identify authentic French clock garnitures from this period?

Authentic French pieces usually feature stamped mechanical movements, maker marks on the dial or movement back plate, crisp casting details, and matching patination across all three components.

How can a figural clock set be styled in a modern interior?

A garniture set serves as a focal point when arranged symmetrically on a fireplace mantelpiece, a hallway console table, or a dining room sideboard.

How should patinated metal and antique clock movements be cared for?

Metal surfaces should be dusted gently with a dry, soft cloth without chemical cleaners, while the mechanical clock movement requires periodic servicing by a qualified horologist.

for sale €2,516 $2,731

£2,150

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020

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Dark Brown Mantel Clock

Id #SA1161410

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Fine Large Quality Antique French Three Piece Clock Set

19th century

For Sale by London City Antiques

Description

Fine large antique French three piece clock set having a fisherman in period dress standing in a boat and looking out to sea supported by a round wooden plinth on top of an eight day French movement with an impressive brass face, original hands and brass bezel, matching pair of figures one being a lady in period dress holding a child and the other a fisherman looking out to sea. They both stand on rocks and are supported by a round wooden plinth. In good working order.

A wonderful set which seems to depict a rescue scene of a boat or person lost at sea.

Dimensions:

Clock

H 64.5cm

W 23cm

D26cm

Fisherman

H 59cm

W 20cm

D 17.5cm

Fisherwife & Child

H 61cm

W 17cm

D 17.5cm

Condition / Servicing Note:

Please note that antique clocks are complex and sensitive mechanical objects. While some clocks may be running at the time of listing we cannot guarantee ongoing performance without a full inspection and testing period by our specialist horologist. Where inspection, testing, or servicing is required this process can take between 2–12 weeks depending on the clock, the work needed, and current workload. This careful approach helps ensure the clock is properly assessed rather than rushed.

Clock Warranty

All clocks purchased from London City Antiques are supplied with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase.

This warranty covers mechanical faults and failures arising from normal use. It does not extend to damage resulting from improper handling, unauthorised tampering, accidental or physical damage, environmental factors (including humidity, temperature fluctuations, or exposure to direct sunlight), or misuse.

Should a clock develop a genuine fault within the warranty period that meets the above conditions, we will, at our discretion and at no cost to you, arrange for the repair or replacement of any defective parts. All remedial work will be carried out by a fully qualified and experienced horologist.

In the unlikely event that a fault cannot be satisfactorily resolved, a full refund will be offered.

Physical Dimensions

Height

64.5cm (25.39")

Width

23cm (9.06")

Depth

26cm (10.24")

Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this French Figural Clock Garniture to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1161410

Dealers Internal Reference

692

Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description

fig 1. A three-piece French bronzed metal clock garniture set featuring sculpted maritime figures of fishermen and a woman with a child mounted on dark bases. — fig 1. Fine Large Quality Antique French Three Piece Clock Set

A wonderful set which seems to depict a rescue scene of a boat or person lost at sea.

Dimensions:

Clock

H 64.5cm

W 23cm

D26cm

Fisherman

H 59cm

W 20cm

D 17.5cm

Fisherwife & Child

H 61cm

W 17cm

D 17.5cm

fig 2. A three-piece French bronzed metal clock garniture set featuring sculpted maritime figures of fishermen and a woman with a child mounted on dark bases. — fig 2. Fine Large Quality Antique French Three Piece Clock Set

Condition / Servicing Note:

Please note that antique clocks are complex and sensitive mechanical objects.

“

While some clocks may be running at the time of listing we cannot guarantee ongoing performance without a full inspection and testing period by our specialist horologist.

London City Antiques

Where inspection, testing, or servicing is required this process can take between 2–12 weeks depending on the clock, the work needed, and current workload. This careful approach helps ensure the clock is properly assessed rather than rushed.

fig 3. A three-piece French bronzed metal clock garniture set featuring sculpted maritime figures of fishermen and a woman with a child mounted on dark bases. — fig 3. Fine Large Quality Antique French Three Piece Clock Set

Clock Warranty

All clocks purchased from London City Antiques are supplied with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase.

This warranty covers mechanical faults and failures arising from normal use. It does not extend to damage resulting from improper handling, unauthorised tampering, accidental or physical damage, environmental factors (including humidity, temperature fluctuations, or exposure to direct sunlight), or misuse.

fig 4. A three-piece French bronzed metal clock garniture set featuring sculpted maritime figures of fishermen and a woman with a child mounted on dark bases. — fig 4. Fine Large Quality Antique French Three Piece Clock Set

Should a clock develop a genuine fault within the warranty period that meets the above conditions, we will, at our discretion and at no cost to you, arrange for the repair or replacement of any defective parts. All remedial work will be carried out by a fully qualified and experienced horologist.

In the unlikely event that a fault cannot be satisfactorily resolved, a full refund will be offered.