Overview
An impressive antique French figural mantel clock dating from the second half of the 19th century, finely constructed from patinated bronze, richly gilded ormolu and pale marble.
Combining an elaborate Bacchic sculptural subject with a signed Parisian movement and highly decorative architectural base, the clock has exceptional visual presence and genuine horological interest.
Key Features
- Antique French figural mantel clock
- Dating from circa 1860–1880
- Signed Siffel & Cartier, Paris
- Patinated bronze sculptural group
- Richly gilded ormolu mounts
- Pale marble architectural base
- Seated Bacchic putto
- Decorated with vine leaves and grapes
- Barrel-form clock case
- Gilt classical ewer and circular dish
- White enamel dial
- Blue Roman numerals
- Finely pierced gilt hands
- Twin winding apertures
- Signed and numbered brass movement
- Four decorative ormolu feet
Craftsmanship & Detail
The clock is surmounted by a finely modelled Bacchic putto seated beside the barrel-form clock case. The figure wears vine leaves and clusters of grapes, creating a classical subject associated with wine, abundance and celebration.
A gilt classical ewer and circular dish complete the sculptural arrangement, while the surrounding ground is naturalistically cast with foliage, fruit and textured detail. The contrast between the dark patinated bronze and the warm gilt decoration gives the composition considerable depth.
The white enamel dial is signed Siffel & Cartier, A Paris and displays Roman numerals, finely pierced gilt hands and twin winding apertures. The dial is framed by an ornate gilt-bronze bezel with repeating floral and beaded ornament.
The rear-opening barrel reveals a substantial brass movement, also signed Siffel & Cartier, A Paris and bearing a production number. The signed movement reinforces the clock’s French origin and established quality of manufacture.
The architectural base is formed from pale marble and extensively mounted with scrolling ormolu foliage, floral garlands, rosettes, flowerheads and pierced ornament. A central floral mount decorates the lower plinth, which stands upon four finely cast gilt-bronze feet.
Nineteenth-century French clocks combining signed movements, sculptural bronze, marble and extensive ormolu decoration remain highly sought after. This example would make a striking centrepiece upon a mantelpiece, console table, commode or library cabinet.
