Mantel clock

The design of the case of this clock, in the form of a pen drawing made by famous French bronze worker, is preserved in the Parisian collection of the Bibliothèque Doucet, entitled “...Architecture, column, vase”. It is an elegant combination of white marble and gilded bronze elements. It depicts a composition of architectural elements, consisting of two short channelled pilasters enclosing a panel, above which a circular clock face is placed. The body is set on a wider plinth with semi-circular sides supported by flat legs. Masterly bronzes in the form of horns of plenty, with flowers embracing the sides of the case’s façade, the symmetrical ornament of the façade panel, the beading embracing the dial face, as well as delicate carved cornices, flat leg knockers, and plaques on the pedestal decorate the body of the case. An important role is played by the crowning composition, consisting of ribbons of a burning torch, a quiver with arrows and branches of a laurel. Through the symbolic content represented by the individual elements, it carries a message wishing good choices, education crowned with fame and prosperity in life.

The clock indicates minutes and hours by two openwork hands on a dial protected by a circular door with convex glass. Its mechanism has a spring drive, separate for the running function and a separate one for the striking function. The half-hour and hour striking on a single bell from a Parisian type ratchet wheel with pinwheel adjustment. It uses an anchor catch and a long, heavy pendulum on a steel pendant with length adjustment. The renowned Parisian clockmaker Raingo Frères, who made this one, was known for making planetary clocks.

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