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ID #SA1207458
FOR SALE
£1,550
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“Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.
For sale by Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
for sale €1,814     $1,969
£1,550
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2020
Browse dealers 98 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in flintlock pistols, muskets, clocks & watches
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Id #SA1207458
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“Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.

19th century
Description

A good original example of a French gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock, dating from the mid–late 19th century, circa 1850–1875.

The case is modelled with Napoleon mounted on a rearing horse, in the manner of the celebrated “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” composition, with well-defined casting and contrasting ormolu and dark patinated finishes. The rectangular plinth is cast in relief with an eagle and laurel decoration, typical of Empire revival designs.

The white enamel dial with Roman numerals is set within a gilt bezel and fronting an 8-day French movement striking the hours and half-hours on a bell. The movement is complete and in working order.

A decorative and representative example of this enduring Napoleonic subject, retaining good presence and original character.

Condition Report:

• General age-related wear to gilding and patination

• Hairline crack noted to one of the horse’s black legs but not structural, as supported by original central rod.

• Small damage to enamel dial near winding aperture

• Movement running at time of inspection (accuracy not tested long-term)

Measurements:

• Height: 58cm

• Width: 39cm

• Depth: 12cm

Date of Manufacture

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Napoleon Bronze Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Check ID 09452206
Dealer's Item Date19th Century
Sellingantiques Date19th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 145-185 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 19TH CENTURY:
Movement backplate with outside countwheel: French striking mechanism of the nineteenth century.
White enamel dial with winding squares at four and eight: eight-day pendule movement.
Wear on the gilded bronze high points: many decades of natural handling.
Eagle and laurel leaf relief casting on plinth: French Empire Revival taste.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1207458
Dealers Notes

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road

WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.

We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.

Web page:-

https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/

Description
A good original example of a French gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock, dating from the mid–late 19th century, circa 1850–1875.

The case is modelled with Napoleon mounted on a rearing horse, in the manner of the celebrated “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” composition, with well-defined casting and contrasting ormolu and dark patinated finishes.

“
The rectangular plinth is cast in relief with an eagle and laurel decoration, typical of Empire revival designs.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
fig 1. A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.
fig 1. “Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.

The white enamel dial with Roman numerals is set within a gilt bezel and fronting an 8-day French movement striking the hours and half-hours on a bell. The movement is complete and in working order.

A decorative and representative example of this enduring Napoleonic subject, retaining good presence and original character.

fig 2. A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.
fig 2. “Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.

Condition Report:

• General age-related wear to gilding and patination

• Hairline crack noted to one of the horse’s black legs but not structural, as supported by original central rod.

• Small damage to enamel dial near winding aperture

• Movement running at time of inspection (accuracy not tested long-term)

Measurements:

• Height: 58cm

• Width: 39cm

• Depth: 12cm

Date of Manufacture

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Napoleon Bronze Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Report ID 09452206
Dealer's Item Date19th Century
Sellingantiques dating19th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 145-185 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 19th Century:
Movement backplate with outside countwheel: French striking mechanism of the nineteenth century.
White enamel dial with winding squares at four and eight: eight-day pendule movement.
Wear on the gilded bronze high points: many decades of natural handling.
Eagle and laurel leaf relief casting on plinth: French Empire Revival taste.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1207458
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2020

We specialise in flintlock pistols, muskets, clocks & watches

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria Profile Page

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A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.
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Archive I A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.

“Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.

Archive II A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View II
Archive III A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View XI
Archive XII A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View XII
Archive XIII A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Telephone 07930 536818
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/peterharrisclocks
Verified Since Nov 2020
Items For Sale 98
Items Sold 112
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Verified Since Nov 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/peterharrisclocks
Verified
Nov 2020
For Sale
98
Sold
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A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.
“Napoleon Crossing the Alps”.19th Century French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock.
Ref: SA1207458
A 19th-century French mantel clock featuring a patinated and gilt bronze equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte atop a base housing a white clock face with Roman numerals.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectClocks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Empire Style
  • MaterialGilt Bronze, Patinated Bronze, Enamel
  • ColourGold and Dark Brown
  • MotifsEquestrian statue, Imperial eagle, Laurel wreaths, Rocky base

This French Empire style mantel clock dates from the 19th century and is constructed from gilt bronze, patinated bronze, and enamel. The piece takes the form of a figural clock surmounted by an equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte in dark brown upon a rearing horse with a gold-finished bicorne hat, cloak, and uniform, standing on a rocky base housing a round white enamel dial with black Roman numerals behind a gilt bezel. Additional decorative elements include cast gilt floral mounts flanking the clock face, a central imperial eagle flanked by laurel wreaths in relief along the frieze, and elaborate scroll-cast feet. Age-related wear includes general rubbing to the gilding and patination, a hairline crack to one of the horse legs, and small damage near a winding aperture on the dial. Measuring 58 cm in height, 39 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth, the clock functions with an 8-day French movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. The piece suits display on a prominent mantelpiece within a study, library, or drawing room as a focal point of historical decor.

FAQs

French Empire mantel clocks from the 19th century typically feature classical, historical, or mythological figures rendered in gilt and patinated bronze, mounted atop a decorative plinth housing the clock movement.

Craftsmen primarily utilised mercury-gilded bronze alongside patinated bronze to create contrasting visual tones, featuring white enamel dials and brass mechanical movements.

Authentic pieces generally display fine chasing on the bronze work, hand-cast construction marks, countwheel striking movements, and original gilding with characteristic age-related wear or oxidisation.

Positioning the clock as a focal point on a fireplace mantelpiece, marble console table, or within a bookcase adds historical depth and sculptural interest to contemporary spaces.

Clean gilt bronze surfaces gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to remove dust without disturbing the gilded layer, avoiding liquid chemical polishes or abrasive cleaning agents.
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