Antique French Vernis Martin Mantel Clock | Japy Frères Movement, c. 1880

Description

A graceful 19th-century French mantel clock in the Louis XV Rococo taste. The waisted case has its original painted decoration, with a gentleman, a boy and a dog in a country scene on the front and floral sprays along the sides. Ormolu mounts frame the case, running along the sides and base and up the tapered pediment to a sculptural finial. The fine hairline “craquelure” in the painted finish is typical of clocks of this type and adds to its aged charm.

The white enamel dial has raised Roman numerals and five-minute outer markers, and it is set with blued steel hands. The Japy Frères 8-day movement strikes the hours and half hours on a bell.

Details

Origin: France
Period: Circa 1880
Style: Louis XV / Rococo, Vernis Martin painted case
Movement: 8-day, Japy Frères, hour and half-hour strike on a bell
Mounts: Ormolu / gilt bronze