A French spelter and figural clock garniture, circa 1880s, with…
click the photo to enlarge
A French spelter and figural clock garniture, circa 1880s, with movement by A. D Mougin, having an enamel dial with Roman numerals set within a gilt bezel and integrated within the spelter sculpture of a classical maiden in flowing drapery riding a floral entwined boat shaped craft, all supported on a marble plinth with gilt feet and pendant swags; with conforming amphorae, clock height 54.5 cm. Width 40 cm. Depth 18.5 cm. Candelabra height 49.5 cm.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Bezel - On a clock or watch, the bezel is the metal frame into which the watch or clock glass is fitted. In clocks, the bezel may include a hinge and a flange, in effect a door to the face of the clock. In jewellery the bezel is a band of metal with a projecting lip that holds the gemstone in its setting.
  • Floral Swag / Garland / Festoon - Floral swags are a decorative motif often used in the ornamentation of various objects, such as silverware, glassware, and furniture. The term "swag" refers to a garland or wreath of flowers, foliage, or other decorative elements, which is usually arranged in a loop or curve.

    Floral swags can be found in a variety of decorative styles, from ornate Baroque and Rococo designs to more naturalistic Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. They are often used to add a touch of elegance, refinement, or whimsy to an object, and can be seen on a range of items from chandeliers and candlesticks to picture frames and tea sets.

    In the decoration of silver objects, floral swags are often used to accentuate the curves and lines of the piece, and to add visual interest to the surface. Similarly, on glass objects, floral swags may be used to frame or highlight a particular area of the object, or to add a touch of color and delicacy.

    On furniture, floral swags can be found on a variety of pieces, from cabinets and armoires to chairs and sofas. They are often used to enhance the lines and curves of the furniture, and can be used to create a sense of movement and flow in the design.

    Overall, floral swags are a versatile decorative element that can be adapted to a range of styles and applications, and have been used in the decoration of various objects throughout history.
  • Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Spelter - Spelter was the name given to an alloy of zinc and brass or copper used in the 19th century for statuary and lighting. It is a brittle bluish-white metal. It was used as a cheap replacement for bronze, but being brittle easily breaks and can't be repaired. When finished it can often be mistaken for bronze, but if discreet a scratch on the base displays shows a greyish colour, the metal is spelter, if a golden colour the metal is most likely bronze.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Antique French Japy Freres clock garniture, with 8 day striking movement (bell) in figural marble and ormolu case (H52 cm approx) flanked by pair urn form garnitures. Key and pendulum available. Signed to base of clock. one arm of figure restored, Clock ma

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Antique French figural mantle clock and garnitures, has key and pendulum (in office C103.79) clock 52 cm high, 30 cm wide, 16 cm deep (3)

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

French mantle clock and garnitures, has key and pendulum, clock 40 cm high, 22 cm wide, 12 cm deep (3)

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Louis XVI style gilt bronze and porcelain clock garniture, later 19th century, with maker's mark of a D Mougin, the elegant small clock having an enamel dial with Arabic numerals and pierced hands set within a finely beaded bezel, framed with cast bronze

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.