Antique French Rococo Style Mantel Clock with Muse Figurine
Unbranded (Likely Japy Frères, S. Marti, or Ansonia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Clocks
Era / Decade
Late 19th Century (1880s-1890s)
Material
Ormolu (gilt bronze) or Spelter (zinc alloy) with a brass movement and porcelain/enamel dial.
Condition
Fair to Good. Shows significant oxidation and dust; the hands are missing, and the glass face is heavily clouded or dirty. Mechanical functionality is unknown.
Demand Level
Niche. High interest from antique clock collectors and interior designers, but slow-moving due to repair costs.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$150.00 - $450.00 (Current condition as-is)
Estimated Retail Value
$800.00 - $1,200.00 (original value adjusted for inflation)
Comparable Sales
Similar unrestored French figural clocks sell for $175-$300 on eBay (Sold listings); fully restored and working versions can fetch $600-$1,200.
Description
This is a stunning late 19th-century mantel clock in the Rococo Revival style. It features a seated female figure (likely a Muse or Sibyl) holding a scroll, set upon an ornate footed base decorated with C-scrolls, acanthus leaves, and a Mascaron (face) detail below the dial. The clock face features Arabic numerals and dual winding arbors.
Key Features
High-detail ornate casting, dual-winding mechanical movement (likely 8-day), classical figural subject matter, and authentic antique patina.
Authenticity Indicators
Construction techniques (slotted screws, heavy metal casting, hand-painted dial) suggest authentic 19th-century manufacture. High confidence in age; Medium confidence in specific maker without seeing the backplate stamp.
Flaws to Note
Missing clock hands, missing pendulum (likely), clouded glass, heavy surface grime, and oxidation. The internal movement may require professional servicing.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Global shipping), Ruby Lane (Antique specialty), or a local high-end Estate Auction House.
Selling Tips
Do not attempt to polish the metal; collectors prefer the original patina. Take high-resolution photos of the internal movement and any stamps/numbers on the backplate. Use 'Parts or Repair' in the title if you cannot verify it ticks.