French Rococo Revival Figural Mantel Clock

Name: French Rococo Revival Figural Mantel Clock
Brand: wh91
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A late 19th-century French figural mantel clock with a gilt metal base and a sculpture of a young girl on a patinated rock-like structure. - view 1

1/3

Ordinary (3/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A late 19th-century French mantel clock in the Rococo Revival or Louis XV style. It features a gilt metal (likely spelter or bronze) base with elaborate C-scrolls, acanthus leaves, and a central cartouche. The clock itself is set within a dark, patinated metal structure sculpted to resemble a rock formation. Atop this sits a gilt figural sculpture of a young girl in pastoral dress, reaching towards a nest-like element. The clock has a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Rococo Period (France)c. 1730-1760

The clock's design is a 19th-century revival of the ornate, nature-inspired, and asymmetrical style popular in the court of Louis XV during the mid-18th century.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•As a centerpiece on a fireplace mantel, these clocks were central to the 19th-century bourgeois parlor, symbolizing prosperity, punctuality, and an appreciation for art and mechanics.

Meaning Through Time

Late 19th Century

A symbol of industrial prosperity and middle-class status, combining sculptural art with the mechanical precision of the Industrial Revolution.

Present Day

Valued as a decorative antique, appreciated for its nostalgic charm and craftsmanship rather than as a primary timekeeping device.

HISTORICAL STORY

This type of clock was immensely popular in France during the Second Empire (1852–1870) and the subsequent Third Republic. They were a staple of the bourgeois home, serving as both a functional timepiece and a prominent status symbol displayed on the mantelpiece. The subject matter, often ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Many 19th-century French clocks used spelter, a zinc alloy, as a cheaper alternative to bronze. It was often patinated or gilded to mimic its more expensive cousin.

The clock hands are in the 'Breguet' style, named after the legendary watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, featuring hollow, eccentric 'moon' tips. This classic design remains popular today.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The base and figure feature a combination of matte and polished gilt surfaces. The central body holding the clock has a dark, rough, textured patination to imitate rock. The dial is smooth, glossy enamel.

Weight & Feel

Appears substantial and heavy. Such clocks, even when made primarily of spelter, are typically solid and weighty, likely in the 20-30 lb (9-14 kg) range.

Condition

The clock needs restoration, as noted by the user. The minute hand is significantly bent, and a sculptural element (likely the top of a bird's nest) is broken off and missing. The clock's mechanical condition is unknown.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

ESTIMATED VALUE

$200 - $450

Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User's belief that the item is 'Original/Authentic' is supported by the style, materials, and age-appropriate wear.
User's statement that it 'Needs restoration' is confirmed by the bent hand and a visibly broken and missing sculptural element.