What is a Neoclassical architectural mantel clock?

Neoclassical architectural mantel clocks originated in nineteenth-century Europe, designed to mirror classical Greek and Roman temple architecture with columns, pediments, and friezes.

What materials are traditionally used in French mantel clocks of this period?

These timepieces commonly feature heavy black Belgian marble or slate casings, paired with cast gilt brass or bronze mounts and enamelled dials with Roman or Arabic numerals.

How can authentic nineteenth-century marble clocks be identified?

Authentic examples feature heavy natural stone cases, brass mechanical movements often stamped with French maker marks, and hand-chased metal decorative elements showing subtle age-related oxidisation.

How do you integrate an antique marble clock into modern room design?

Place the clock as a focal point on a fireplace mantel, sideboard, or study desk to contrast clean contemporary lines with structured historical forms.

What is the correct procedure for cleaning black marble and gilt brass?

Wipe black marble with a soft, slightly damp cloth and buff dry, avoiding harsh acids or abrasive cleaners, while gilt brass should only be dusted lightly to preserve the original patina.

for sale €1,047 $1,137

£895

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Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

Name: Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1231339
Price: 895 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by London City Antiques

Description

A striking antique French black marble and gilt brass architectural mantel clock dating from the late 19th century.

The substantial black marble case is designed in the form of a classical temple, with a stepped plinth and architectural façade flanked by groups of three gilt brass fluted columns. The upper section is surmounted by a pedimented roof and centred with a finely detailed gilt brass relief panel depicting a classical figural scene. Domed side sections with decorative gilt brass finials complete the impressive architectural design.

The circular dial features an exposed gilt centre surrounded by a white chapter ring with distinctive black Arabic numerals and elegant pierced hands. The clock has a traditional mechanical movement with separate winding apertures for the time and striking trains.

Decorative pierced sound frets to the sides of the case allow the strike to resonate from the movement within.

A particularly decorative late 19th-century French mantel clock, combining the dramatic contrast of black marble with warm gilt brass detailing and strong classical architectural influences.

Condition Report: In good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and minor imperfections consistent with age and use. The clock is in good working order.

Dimensions:

Height: 29.5 cm (11.6 in)

Width: 35 cm (13.8 in)

Depth: 14 cm (5.5 in)

Date: Circa 1880

Origin: France

Available for UK and international shipping.

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

29.5cm (11.61")

Width

35cm (13.78")

Depth

14cm (5.51")

Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Black Marble Mantel Clock to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1231339

Dealers Internal Reference

3219

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

A striking antique French black marble and gilt brass architectural mantel clock dating from the late 19th century.

“

The substantial black marble case is designed in the form of a classical temple, with a stepped plinth and architectural façade flanked by groups of three gilt brass fluted columns.

London City Antiques

The upper section is surmounted by a pedimented roof and centred with a finely detailed gilt brass relief panel depicting a classical figural scene. Domed side sections with decorative gilt brass finials complete the impressive architectural design.

fig 1. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 1. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

The circular dial features an exposed gilt centre surrounded by a white chapter ring with distinctive black Arabic numerals and elegant pierced hands. The clock has a traditional mechanical movement with separate winding apertures for the time and striking trains.

fig 2. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 2. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

Decorative pierced sound frets to the sides of the case allow the strike to resonate from the movement within.

A particularly decorative late 19th-century French mantel clock, combining the dramatic contrast of black marble with warm gilt brass detailing and strong classical architectural influences.

fig 3. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 3. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

Condition Report: In good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and minor imperfections consistent with age and use. The clock is in good working order.

Dimensions:

Height: 29.5 cm (11.6 in)

Width: 35 cm (13.8 in)

fig 4. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 4. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

Depth: 14 cm (5.5 in)

Date: Circa 1880

Origin: France

Available for UK and international shipping.

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.

fig 5. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 5. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

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 6. An architectural black marble mantel clock featuring gilt brass columns, a relief frieze panel depicting classical figures, and a round dial with Arabic numerals. — fig 6. Antique French Black Marble & Gilt Brass Architectural Mantel Clock

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.