French Tortoiseshell Mantel Clock 1900 - 1920

Name: A French Tortoishell Mantel Clock
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1202367
Price: 750 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectMantel Clocks
Period1900 - 1920
StyleFrench Rococo Revival
MaterialTortoiseshell, Gilt Bronze, Enamel, Glass
ColourRed and Gold
MotifsBird finial, Ormolu mounts, Enamel cartouche numerals, Sunburst pendulum
SizeH 38 cm (15 in) x W 25 cm (10 in) x D 15 cm (6 in)

This French Rococo Revival mantel clock from circa 1900 combines a red tortoiseshell veneer case with gilt bronze ormolu mounts and a domed top surmounted by a bird finial. The glazed lower front panel reveals a pendulum featuring a central sunburst face, while the upper dial displays a raised gilt surround set with individual enamel cartouches bearing blue Roman numerals, complemented by blued steel hands and winding holes. Standing 38 cm high, 25 cm wide, and 15 cm deep, this timepiece operates on an eight-day mechanism that strikes on a gong for the hours and half-hours. Placed on a mantelpiece in a traditional living room, study, or drawing room, the clock serves as a functional decorative accent. The tapering sides of the red-ground case integrate with scrolled foliate and shell-moulded ormolu brackets flanking the dial and supporting the arched crest, while four curved scrolled feet elevate the body from the display surface.

FAQs

Louis XV style mantel clocks are defined by asymmetrical Rococo curves, elaborate gilt bronze ormolu mounts, and decorative case materials such as tortoiseshell or Boulle marquetry. These timepieces were designed as prominent decorative features for salon fireplace mantels in 18th and 19th-century France.

These clocks typically combine a wooden casing veneered with organic tortoiseshell or faux tortoiseshell, detailed with mercury-gilded cast bronze or brass mounts. Dials often feature individual enamel cartouche plaques for the Roman numerals alongside hand-cut steel clock hands.

Authentic period examples often feature maker stamps or serial numbers impressed onto the brass movement plates, such as Japy Freres or Vincenti. Additional indicators include hand-chased cast bronze mounts, natural variations in tortoiseshell patterning, and individual blue enamel cartouche hour markers.

A French mantel clock acts as a central focal point on a fireplace mantlepiece, marble console table, or library bookshelf. Designers frequently pair these gilded timepieces with contemporary artwork or minimalist backdrops to create visual contrast.

Keep the clock away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent tortoiseshell veneer from warping or cracking. Clean metal mounts using a soft dry brush, avoiding liquid polishes that can degrade gilt finishes or penetrate the internal mechanical movement.

Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd

A French Tortoishell Mantel Clock