What is an empire figural clock?

An empire figural clock is a heavy mantel timepiece featuring a cast metal sculpture of a classical god, historical leader, or allegorical figure. These pieces combine sculptural art with functional clockwork. Most examples date from the nineteenth century and incorporate materials like ormolu, patinated bronze, and marble. They were designed as prominent decorative objects for principal rooms.

How do I wind the clock?

Most of these clocks require a specific winding key inserted into small holes on the enamel dial to tension the internal springs. Care must be taken not to overwind the mechanism. Many listings note whether a clock has been recently serviced or includes its original winding key. Professional servicing is recommended to keep older movements running smoothly.

Where should I place it?

Due to their substantial weight and marble bases, these clocks require a sturdy surface such as a mantelpiece, heavy sideboard, or console table. They work best as visual centerpieces in a room. Keep them away from direct sunlight, damp walls, and heat sources to protect the delicate enamel dials and gilt finishes. Ensuring a level surface also helps the pendulum swing evenly.

How do I identify the period?

Periods are identified through a combination of sculptural style, dial design, and mechanical construction methods. Regency pieces often feature English fusee movements, while French Empire works display Neoclassical motifs. Signatures stamped on the bronze or engraved on the back plate often provide specific maker details and clues to the decade of manufacture. Comparing the casting quality helps distinguish early nineteenth-century work from later revivals.

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Empire Figural Clock

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An empire figural clock places classical mythology or historical personages atop a heavy metal timepiece, bringing architectural presence and sculptural weight to a room.

19th century

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A Mid 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

From Chequers Antiques

£1,895

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

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Magnificent French 19th Century Mantel Clock, Victor Paillard, Paris

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£85,000

FOR SALE

clocks

French Empire Gilded Mantle Clock 1830s Fully Serviced

19th century

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French Empire Gilded Mantle Clock 1830s Fully Serviced

From Arundel Clocks

£1,250

FOR SALE

clocks

Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by P.h. Mourey 'Putto with Dog' C.1860

19th century

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Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by P.h. Mourey 'Putto with Dog' C.1860

From Original Retro

£1,850

FOR SALE

clocks

Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

19th century

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Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

From Dragon-Antiques.com

£8,350

FOR SALE

clocks

Antique Single Fusee Gilt Ormolu Clock with Cherub Henry Berkeley Square London

19th century

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Antique Single Fusee Gilt Ormolu Clock with Cherub Henry Berkeley Square London

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£1,395

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

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Ormolu, Bronze, and Rouge Marble Clock.

From Cavers Antiques

£2,950

FOR SALE

clocks

Antique French Ormolu Bronze & Marble Figural Globe Clock Cleaned & Serviced

1900 - 1920

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Antique French Ormolu Bronze & Marble Figural Globe Clock Cleaned & Serviced

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£1,195

FOR SALE

clocks

Stunning Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by 'Gillion'

18th century

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Stunning Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by 'Gillion'

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£1,750

FOR SALE

clocks

Antique French Bronze Cased Mantel Clock with Cherub by Bellenot Paris

19th century

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Antique French Bronze Cased Mantel Clock with Cherub by Bellenot Paris

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£950

FOR SALE

watches

The listings on this page span the 19th century, Regency, and Victorian periods, utilising materials including ormolu, marble, gilt bronze, and enamel.

Small Antique French Empire 8 Day Bell Striking Gilt Bronze Ormolu Silk Suspension Mantle Clock with Figural “Explorer”

19th century

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Small Antique French Empire 8 Day Bell Striking Gilt Bronze Ormolu Silk Suspension Mantle Clock with Figural “Explorer”

From Heydays Antiques

£650

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

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Gilded French Clock Surmounted by the Neoclassical Figure of Diana the Hunter

From Georgian Antiques

£1,975

FOR SALE

clocks

French Gilt Bronze Figural Clock, in the Turkish Taste

19th century

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French Gilt Bronze Figural Clock, in the Turkish Taste

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£850

FOR SALE

clocks

Sacred Alliance 1815 a Most Unusual and Rare Bronze Timepiece.

19th century

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Sacred Alliance 1815 a Most Unusual and Rare Bronze Timepiece.

From Frank Craig Antiques

£1,200

FOR SALE

clocks

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Empire Figural Clock

A Mid 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Magnificent French 19th Century Mantel Clock, Victor Paillard, Paris

French Empire Gilded Mantle Clock 1830s Fully Serviced

Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by P.h. Mourey 'Putto with Dog' C.1860

Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

Antique Single Fusee Gilt Ormolu Clock with Cherub Henry Berkeley Square London

Ormolu, Bronze, and Rouge Marble Clock.

Antique French Ormolu Bronze & Marble Figural Globe Clock Cleaned & Serviced

Stunning Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by 'Gillion'

Antique French Bronze Cased Mantel Clock with Cherub by Bellenot Paris

Small Antique French Empire 8 Day Bell Striking Gilt Bronze Ormolu Silk Suspension Mantle Clock with Figural “Explorer”

Gilded French Clock Surmounted by the Neoclassical Figure of Diana the Hunter

French Gilt Bronze Figural Clock, in the Turkish Taste

Sacred Alliance 1815 a Most Unusual and Rare Bronze Timepiece.

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