How do I wind a French mantel clock?

Most mechanical French clocks require a dedicated winding key inserted into the dial holes to tension the mainsprings. Care must be taken not to over-wind the movement. Spring-driven clocks generally run for a week on a full wind, while pendulum-regulated models may require minor beat adjustments after moving.

What is the difference between a carriage clock and a mantel clock?

Carriage clocks were designed as portable timepieces for travellers, housed in brass and glass cases with folding handles. They are typically smaller and weight-driven by a platform escapement. Mantel clocks are larger, heavier stationary objects made from marble, porcelain, or gilt bronze, intended to remain fixed upon a fireplace shelf.

How can I identify the period of a French clock?

Stylistic cues such as heavy Rococo scrollwork, Empire neoclassical trophies, or clean Art Deco geometric lines offer the first indication of date. Movement signatures and registration marks often narrow down the decade of manufacture. Materials also point to eras, with Sevres-style porcelain panels frequently appearing on mid-to-late nineteenth-century pieces.

Do these clocks chime the time?

Many French mantel and carriage clocks include striking mechanisms that sound the hours and half-hours on bells or gongs. Some feature repeater functions that sound the last hour on demand. Timepieces marked as 'timepieces' rather than 'clocks' strictly record the time without striking functions.

How should I care for an antique clock case?

Gilt bronze and ormolu surfaces require gentle dusting with a soft brush rather than chemical polishes, which can strip the historical gilding. Marble and glass elements can be cleaned with a damp, lint-free cloth. Keeping the clock away from direct sunlight and damp environments preserves the delicate enamels and wooden veneers.

Home > Antiques For Sale > French Decorative Clock > Page 5

French Decorative Clock

103 items · page 5 of 7

← Page 5 of 7 →

These pieces unite precision timekeeping with sculptural presence, offering a French decorative clock to anchor a mantelpiece or desk.

1900 - 1920

Save

A Carriage Clock with Frets and Columns

From Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd

£435

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

A Fine Antique Kpm Berlin Porcelain 3 Piece Clock Set Circa 19th Century

From Bushells Antiques

£2,450

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

French Mantle Clock C.1850

From Finchingfield Antiques

£1,550

FOR SALE

clocks

Fine Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Antique French Clock

19th century

Save

Fine Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Antique French Clock

From Dragon-Antiques.com

£2,650

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

Lovely Quality Antique Late 19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock Garniture Set

From Rebecca Sarah Antiques

£875

FOR SALE

clocks

Antique Gilt Bronze Figural Cherub Mantel Clock by John Bennett Cheapside London

19th century

Save

Antique Gilt Bronze Figural Cherub Mantel Clock by John Bennett Cheapside London

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£795

FOR SALE

clocks

1940 - 1960

Save

Giltwood Sunburst Wall Clock

From Its About Time

£400

FOR SALE

clocks

A Profusely Engraved to All Sides Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock Circa 1860

19th century

Save

A Profusely Engraved to All Sides Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock Circa 1860

From Bushells Antiques

£6,500

FOR SALE

clocks

French Ormolu Bronze Striking Enamel Mantel Clock 1890s

19th century

Save

French Ormolu Bronze Striking Enamel Mantel Clock 1890s

From Arundel Clocks

£1,695

FOR SALE

clocks

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

19th century

Save

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£2,345

FOR SALE

clocks

Listings span the nineteenth century through the 1930s, featuring materials such as Sevres porcelain, rouge marble, champleve enamel, and gilt bronze.

19th century

Save

A Quality Victorian Marble Mantle Clock

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£795

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

Antique Mantel Clock

From Deva Antiques

£265

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

19th-century Mantle Clock Circa 1890.Ormolu. French Mantel Clock

From Frank Craig Antiques

£900

FOR SALE

clocks

French Crystal Regulator in a Glass Case 1880s

19th century

Save

French Crystal Regulator in a Glass Case 1880s

From Arundel Clocks

£2,600

FOR SALE

clocks

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

19th century

Save

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

From Devonshire Antiques

£650

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock

From Cross Antiques

£395

FOR SALE

clocks

← 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 →

French Decorative Clock

A Carriage Clock with Frets and Columns

A Fine Antique Kpm Berlin Porcelain 3 Piece Clock Set Circa 19th Century

French Mantle Clock C.1850

Fine Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Antique French Clock

Lovely Quality Antique Late 19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock Garniture Set

Antique Gilt Bronze Figural Cherub Mantel Clock by John Bennett Cheapside London

Giltwood Sunburst Wall Clock

A Profusely Engraved to All Sides Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock Circa 1860

French Ormolu Bronze Striking Enamel Mantel Clock 1890s

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

A Quality Victorian Marble Mantle Clock

Antique Mantel Clock

19th-century Mantle Clock Circa 1890.Ormolu. French Mantel Clock

French Crystal Regulator in a Glass Case 1880s

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories