French Annular Dial Mantel Clock
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This majestic Napoleon III-era annular dial clock is a fantastic find for the avid clock collector
Key Features
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- This rare French annular dial mantel clock features a unique pendulum movement
- The exquisite ormolu work was crafted by Maison Marnyhac of Paris
- The clock's strike and Brocot escapement is contained within the royal blue enamel urn
- Two dials, or chapter rings, revolve around the urn
- In terms of rarity, size, craftsmanship and materials, this clock has it all
- Signed "Marnyhac 1 Rue de la Paix A Paris" on base; Circa 1870
- 23" high
Item Details
- Height:
23" Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
France
This important Napoleon III annular dial mantel clock is distinguished by its pendulum movement-a feature rarely seen in annular dial clocks. The pendulum movement is encased within the exceptional ormolu column crafted by Maison Marnyhac of Paris, one of the most renowned bronze firms of the 19th century. Annular clocks, referred to as cercles tournants in France, are clocks with ring-shaped dials that revolve around a fixed pointer. This clock's strike and Brocot escapement is contained within the royal blue enamel urn. It features two dials, or chapter rings, one denoting the hour, the other denoting the minutes.
Annular dial clocks first appeared in France during the last half of the 18th century, at the height of Rococo fashion, and reappeared during the reign of Napoleon III. Their decorative quality and opulence proved to be enormously appealing to France's wealthy patrons, when fashion mirrored the tastes of French courtly society. The value of an annular clock depends on rarity, size, craftsmanship and materials, aspects in which this particular clock excels.
Circa 1870
23" high
Annular dial clocks first appeared in France during the last half of the 18th century, at the height of Rococo fashion, and reappeared during the reign of Napoleon III. Their decorative quality and opulence proved to be enormously appealing to France's wealthy patrons, when fashion mirrored the tastes of French courtly society. The value of an annular clock depends on rarity, size, craftsmanship and materials, aspects in which this particular clock excels.
Circa 1870
23" high
