French Mantel Clocks

French mantel clocks were most prolifically produced during the 19th century for both the French and English markets. Clocks made for the English market can be best characterized by their more conservative appearance when compared to those made for the French market. Clocks manufactured for the French featured gold & bronze ormolu, marble bases, porcelain dials and striking gold hands. Raingo Freres is one of the more famous clock makers who specialized in producing clocks for the French.

Of all the antique French clocks produced, the mantel clock is the most renowned. The mantel clock is highly desirable to collectors as unlike other wall and ornamental clocks which are largely made of wood, mantel clocks were constructed using lavish materials such as bronze, gold, crystal and marble. Clocks of the time were also very ornamental containing porcelain artwork featuring famous scenes from religious history, and roman and Greek mythology.

Due to the large amounts of metal used in French mantel clocks, they were rather expensive to buy and therefore seen as a luxury item. The metal also served as an amplifier for clocks that had a chime. Some of the clocks produced also played music as opposed to the traditional hourly chime.

Clock makers like A D Mougin and Japy Freres not only specialized in the making of clocks but were finished artists in their own right; clocks by these makers still consistently attract prices over $5000.