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ID #SA1229453
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Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900
School House Antiques
for sale €1,989     $2,159
£1,700
School House Antiques

School House Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
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Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900

19th century
Description

A magnificent late 19th/ early 20th Century mantel clock in patinated spelter, depicting a dramatic and finely modelled tiger confronting a serpent in a dynamic naturalistic composition. The powerful animal sculpture is signed Varnier and titled on the original plaque “Tigre au serpent”, a highly decorative and impressive subject typical of the finest French animalier designs of the period.

The beautifully executed spelter case displays exceptional attention to detail, from the muscular form and expressive features of the tiger to the finely textured serpent and rocky landscape setting. The sculpture is raised on an elegant veined marble plinth supported on turned feet, adding further refinement to this impressive clock.

The clock is fitted with an original French 8-day mechanical movement and features a charming porcelain dial decorated with delicate floral motifs, framed by a gilt bezel. The movement has recently been professionally serviced and is in good working order.

Presented in very good original condition, retaining its authentic patinated finish and period character. A superb collector’s piece combining French clockmaking, sculpture and decorative arts, ideal for a grand mantel, library, or period interior.

Dimensions:

Length: 61.5 cm

Height: 39 cm

Depth: 23 cm

Declaration

School House Antiques has dated this Bronze Tiger Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1229453
Dealers Notes

More pictures available upon request. Worldwide delivery available, please enquire for an estimate.

Description
A magnificent late 19th/ early 20th Century mantel clock in patinated spelter, depicting a dramatic and finely modelled tiger confronting a serpent in a dynamic naturalistic composition. The powerful animal sculpture is signed Varnier and titled on the original plaque “Tigre au serpent”, a highly decorative and impressive subject typical of the finest French animalier designs of the period.
The beautifully executed spelter case displays exceptional attention to detail, from the muscular form and expressive features of the tiger to the finely textured serpent and rocky landscape setting.
School House Antiques

The sculpture is raised on an elegant veined marble plinth supported on turned feet, adding further refinement to this impressive clock.

fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.
fig 1. Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900

The clock is fitted with an original French 8-day mechanical movement and features a charming porcelain dial decorated with delicate floral motifs, framed by a gilt bezel. The movement has recently been professionally serviced and is in good working order.

fig 2. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.
fig 2. Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900

Presented in very good original condition, retaining its authentic patinated finish and period character. A superb collector’s piece combining French clockmaking, sculpture and decorative arts, ideal for a grand mantel, library, or period interior.

Dimensions:

Length: 61.5 cm

Height: 39 cm

Depth: 23 cm

Date of Manufacture

School House Antiques has dated this Bronze Tiger Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1229453
School House Antiques
School House Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the School House Antiques Profile Page

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A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.
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Archive I A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.

Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900

Archive II A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View XII
Archive XIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base. View XIII
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Telephone 07498 776 944
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 49
Items Sold 169
School House Antiques
School House Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
49
Sold
169
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.
Large Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900
Ref: SA1229453
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger fighting a serpent set upon a rock housing a round clock dial, all resting on a rectangular veined marble base.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

French Animalier mantel clocks emerged during the nineteenth century, combining precise timekeeping mechanisms with detailed sculptural depictions of wildlife and natural scenes.

These pieces typically feature cast bronze or spelter figures, marble or onyx bases, and white enamel dials with brass bevels and mechanical movements.

Authentic examples often display artist signatures on the sculpture, foundry stamps, maker marks on the movement, and natural age-related patination on metal and marble surfaces.

Position the clock as a focal piece on a fireplace mantelpiece, sideboard, or study desk to add historical texture to a contemporary space.

Dust surfaces gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoid harsh chemical cleaners that strip the original patina, and have the mechanical movement serviced periodically by a professional clockmaker.
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