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 > French Decorative Clock > Page 7

French Decorative Clock

107 items · page 7 of 7

← Page 7 of 7 →

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

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

19th century

Save

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

From Gutlin Clocks

£1,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

French Painted Porcelain Clock Garniture

19th century

Save

French Painted Porcelain Clock Garniture

From Georgian Antiques

£1,750

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Impressive Art Nouveau French Mantle Clock, Circa 1890

19th century

Save

Impressive Art Nouveau French Mantle Clock, Circa 1890

From WelshAntiques

£320

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Late 19th C. Petite Gilt Ormolu Advertising Boudoir Clock - “Presented by Sporting Sketches”

19th century

Save

Late 19th C. Petite Gilt Ormolu Advertising Boudoir Clock - “Presented by Sporting Sketches”

From Heydays Antiques

£125

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Fabulous Charpentier Foundry Gilt Ormolu Cased 8 Day French Striking Clock Made Specially for Thos Agnew & Sons.

19th century

Save

Fabulous Charpentier Foundry Gilt Ormolu Cased 8 Day French Striking Clock Made Specially for Thos Agnew & Sons.

From Heydays Antiques

£1,450

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

click an Image to Enlarge

Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

19th century

Save

Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock click an Image to Enlarge Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

From Christopher Buck Antiques Ltd.

£1,150

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Brass & Clossonie Victorian Four Glass Clock

19th century

Save

Brass & Clossonie Victorian Four Glass Clock

From Ballinderry Antiques

£2,550

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

19th century

Save

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

From Devonshire Antiques

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

19th century

Save

French Mantle Clock C.1850

From Finchingfield Antiques

£1,550

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

Superb Quality 19thc Ormolu & Ebonised Bracket, Attributed to Henri Dasson (1825 - 1896)

19th century

Save

Superb Quality 19thc Ormolu & Ebonised Bracket, Attributed to Henri Dasson (1825 - 1896)

From LVS Decorative Arts

£4,750

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

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

19th century

Save

French Brass Mantel Clock.

From Masons Antiques

£795

3+ MONTHS AGO

clocks

← 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 →

French Decorative Clock

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

French Painted Porcelain Clock Garniture

Impressive Art Nouveau French Mantle Clock, Circa 1890

Late 19th C. Petite Gilt Ormolu Advertising Boudoir Clock - “Presented by Sporting Sketches”

Fabulous Charpentier Foundry Gilt Ormolu Cased 8 Day French Striking Clock Made Specially for Thos Agnew & Sons.

Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock click an Image to Enlarge Gilt Metal Cartel Wall Clock

Brass & Clossonie Victorian Four Glass Clock

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

French Mantle Clock C.1850

Superb Quality 19thc Ormolu & Ebonised Bracket, Attributed to Henri Dasson (1825 - 1896)

French Brass Mantel Clock.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories