Mantel Clock

At a glance

• Family: Clocks
• Periods most often found: Most date from 1800 to 1930.
• Typical price: about $500; range $100 to $5,000 and more for exceptional pieces
• What drives value: Bronze, maker, garniture

What it is

French mantel clocks (pendules de cheminée) were produced in Paris workshops in vast numbers from the Empire to the early 20th century: gilt-bronze figural clocks with allegories and heroes, black Belgian marble temple clocks of the Napoleon III period, spelter clocks imitating bronze, porcelain-mounted Louis XVI-style clocks and Art Deco marble clocks. Many were sold with matching candelabra or urns as a garniture de cheminée.

How to identify and date it

Movements are often stamped by makers (Japy Frères, Vincenti, S. Marti, Mougin) with medals from exhibitions; the case may carry a retailer's name on the dial. Check that the movement runs and strikes, that the dial and hands are original and that the case is complete. Bronze is heavy and finely chased; spelter is lighter and gray where scratched.

Periods and styles

Most date from 1800 to 1930.

How much is it worth?

On the US retail market, most mantel clock examples ask around $500. Simple or worn pieces start near $100, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $5,000. The main value drivers are: bronze, maker, garniture. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.

Questions buyers ask: antique french mantel clock value; art deco mantel clock price; art deco mantel clock value. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.

Before you buy

• Test movement and strike
• Read stamps
• Inspect case and dial
• Confirm the garniture

Living with it

A gilt clock with a pair of candelabra on a mantel is the classic French arrangement.