How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I adjust a French mantel clock?

How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

French Automaton Clock

19th Century French musical automaton clock

$22,440

19th Century French musical automaton clock

Located in London, GB

This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century).

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Gilt Bronze Mounted Marine Themed Automaton Mantel Clock

$24,420

French Gilt Bronze Mounted Marine Themed Automaton Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French gilt bronze mounted marine themed automaton mantel clock French, circa 1850 Measures: With glass dome and base height 90 cm, width 70 cm, depth 33 cm Clock without dome and...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Industrial series antique French automaton lighthouse clock with weather station

$9,428

Industrial series antique French automaton lighthouse clock with weather station

Located in London, GB

A superb and highly decorative French automaton lighthouse clock and weather compendium by André Romain Guilmet of Paris, circa 1880, from his celebrated series of Industrial novelty...

Category

Antique 1880s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century French Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon I

$47,483

Early 19th Century French Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon I

Located in London, GB

A Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon at Fontainebleau Based on the original work of Horace Vernet "Goodbyes at Fontainebleau," the painted canvas fitted with a circular enam...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Automaton Industrial series Quarterdeck, Helmsman mantel clock by Guilmet

$22,385

Automaton Industrial series Quarterdeck, Helmsman mantel clock by Guilmet

Located in London, GB

Antique French, "Ship's Quarter Deck" Automata clock from the Industrial Series. The bronze and silvered case is in the form of a ship's quarter deck, set with a real and operating b...

Category

Antique 1890s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Copper

Large Gilt-Brass Automaton Clock with Barometer, Paris, Circa 1880

$65,120

Large Gilt-Brass Automaton Clock with Barometer, Paris, Circa 1880

By Andre Romain Guilmet

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Rare and Large Gilt and Silvered Brass Automaton Clock With Aneroid Barometer, Modelled as a Steam-Driven Water Pump.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel

French Style Brass Automaton Spinning Wheel Automobile Industrial Mantle Clock

$2,650

French Style Brass Automaton Spinning Wheel Automobile Industrial Mantle Clock

Located in Danville, CA

This magnificent French industrial-style automaton clock stands as a testament to the golden age of horological invention, where mechanical ingenuity met artistic design.

Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Granite, Brass

Large French Automaton Locomotive Industrial Train Clock with Spinning Wheels

$3,250

Large French Automaton Locomotive Industrial Train Clock with Spinning Wheels

Located in Danville, CA

Here we have a wonderful example of the industrial series popular in French horology. When the animation movement is wound the train’s wheels and linkages spin, triggered by the hour...

Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Automaton Beam Engine Clock by Andre Guilmet

$20,078

Automaton Beam Engine Clock by Andre Guilmet

By Andre Romain Guilmet

Located in Amersham, GB

A novelty mantel clock in the form of an industrial beam engine by Andre Romain Guilmet, dating from circa 1878 and numbered 196 and signed by Giulmet. The eight day movement is sur...

Category

Antique 1870s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

FINE CIRCA 1895 FRENCH AUTOMATON INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE MOVING GiLT BRONZE CLOCK

$203,502

FINE CIRCA 1895 FRENCH AUTOMATON INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE MOVING GiLT BRONZE CLOCK

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very fine and highly collectable Antique circa 1895 French Automaton Industrial Locomotive moving gilt ...

Category

Antique 1890s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Massive French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Engine Industrial Mantle Clock

$2,650

Massive French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Engine Industrial Mantle Clock

Located in Danville, CA

Large French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Engine Industrial Clock w Marble Base Here we have a wonderful example of the industrial series popular in French horology.

Category

Vintage 1980s Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Massive French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Wheel Engine Industrial Clock

$2,600

Massive French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Wheel Engine Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

Large French Style 8 Day Brass Automaton Steam Engine Industrial Clock Here we have a wonderful example of the industrial series popular in French horology.

Category

20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Granite, Metal, Brass

Early 20th Century French Clock Tower Automaton Figures

$1,953Sale Price|20% Off

Early 20th Century French Clock Tower Automaton Figures

Located in London, GB

Early 20th Century French Clock Tower Automaton Figures A rare matched pair of French (Paris) clock tower automaton figures, in the form of oriental male dressed dancing figures.

Category

Early 20th Century French Late Victorian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Musical Automaton Picture Clock by Xavier Tharin, c. 1860

$13,047

Musical Automaton Picture Clock by Xavier Tharin, c. 1860

Located in Madrid, ES

Musical automaton picture clock by Xavier Tharin, c. 1860 Paris, hand-colored lithographed scene depicting a Mediterranean harbor scene with abbey, fountain, viaduct and watchtower ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Decorative Art

Materials

Paint

Automaton Picture clock in square frame with oval aperture and windmill

$4,680

Automaton Picture clock in square frame with oval aperture and windmill

Located in London, GB

This superb work of art combines the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complicities of an automaton and clock. Depicting a rural scene, the clock is integrated into the church...

Category

Antique 1880s French Decorative Art

Materials

Gesso

Blaise Bontems Musical Automaton Singing birds and Clock under glass dome

$21,557

Blaise Bontems Musical Automaton Singing birds and Clock under glass dome

Located in Leuven , BE

This 19th-century French automaton from the late 1800s showcases a delightful ensemble of features: three vibrant animated birds, a cascading waterfall, a tree surrounded by rocky ou...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Taxidermy

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

An Extremely Rare 'Pendule Industrial' in the Shape of a Wind Mill with Automaton, Barometer and 2 Thermometers circa 1880

Unavailable

H 18.51 in Dm 6.7 in

An Extremely Rare 'Pendule Industrial' in the Shape of a Wind Mill with Automaton, Barometer and 2 Thermometers circa 1880

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Case: brass, partly gilt, partly blued, black marble base, masoned wind mill, rotating wind mill vanes, hinged clock case, aneroid barometer, lateral thermometers with Reaumur and Fa...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Clock with Singing Bird Automaton by Bontems

Unavailable

H 19.3 in W 9.06 in D 6.7 in

Clock with Singing Bird Automaton by Bontems

By Bontems

Located in Zonhoven, BE

This French pendulum clock runs for 8 days, strikes the half hour and full hour.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Enamel, Other

French Industrial Battleship Clock

Sold

H 15 in W 6.25 in D 12.5 in

French Industrial Battleship Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

Taking the form of a battleship, this French automaton clock is a spellbinding example of the complex artistry of industrial timepieces.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Musical Automaton Picture Clock

Sold

H 48.5 in W 44 in D 10.25 in

French Musical Automaton Picture Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical comp...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Wall Clocks

Materials

Paint

French Automaton Battleship Industrial Clock

Sold

H 15.5 in W 7.5 in

French Automaton Battleship Industrial Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This automaton battleship clock is an impeccable example of the complex artistry of Industrial timepieces.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Automaton Industrial Locomotive Clock

Sold

H 17 in W 8.75 in D 20.25 in

French Automaton Industrial Locomotive Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

It is truly a wonderful example of the Industrial series of clocks popular in French horology during the late 19th century.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Ormolu Automaton Clock of the Torre De Belém

Sold

H 18.51 in W 18.51 in D 9.06 in

French Antique Ormolu Automaton Clock of the Torre De Belém

Located in London, GB

This beautiful mantel clock is modelled on the Torre de Belém in Lisbon, Portugal, and incorporates an unusual mechanical automaton device that periodically moves the ship. The ci...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Quarterdeck Automaton Helmsman Clock by Guilmet, Retailed by Sewill, 1881

Sold

H 12.25 in W 11.38 in D 8.5 in

French Quarterdeck Automaton Helmsman Clock by Guilmet, Retailed by Sewill, 1881

Located in Nantucket, MA

Antique French Quarterdeck Automaton Helmsman Clock by Andre Guilmet (Paris), Retailed by J.

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

French Automaton Ormolu Clock in Gothic Style

Sold

H 12.25 in W 12 in D 5 in

French Automaton Ormolu Clock in Gothic Style

Located in London, GB

Antique French romantic period ormolu cased automaton fountain clock with Gothic architectural tower and lion's head fountain spout.

Category

Antique 1830s French Romantic Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Automaton Industrial Series Quarterdeck Mantel Clock by Guilmet

Sold

H 13 in W 11.6 in D 9 in

Automaton Industrial Series Quarterdeck Mantel Clock by Guilmet

By Andre Romain Guilmet

Located in London, GB

French, "Ship's Quarter Deck" Automata clock from the Industrial Series. The bronze and silvered case is in the form of a ship's quarter deck, set with a real and operating binnacled...

Category

Antique 1890s French Industrial Mantel Clocks

Materials

Copper, Bronze

Early 1800 Automaton Clock 19th Century

Sold

H 19.69 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in

Early 1800 Automaton Clock 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Early 1800 automaton clock AUTOMATED CLOCK EARLY 1800 .BEAUTIFUL AND RARE CLOCK WITH A SEPARATE MECHANISM TO MOVE THE CAT'S HEAD IN A DIRECTION THAT APPEARS THAT A PAW IS LICKED. TH...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large French Automaton Locomotive Industrial Train Clock with Spinning Wheels

Sold

H 18 in W 19 in D 9 in

Large French Automaton Locomotive Industrial Train Clock with Spinning Wheels

Located in Danville, CA

Here we have a wonderful example of the industrial series popular in French horology. When the animation movement is wound the train’s wheels and linkages spin, triggered by the hour...

Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Miniature Automaton Industrial Lighthouse Clock with Duplex Escapement

Sold

H 9.45 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in

Miniature Automaton Industrial Lighthouse Clock with Duplex Escapement

By Andre Romain Guilmet

Located in London, GB

A very fine example of this rare and smallest of Guilmets lighthouse clocks from his Industrial series. Interestingly, the movement is numbered in various places 132, making this one...

Category

Antique 1870s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rare and Fine French Antique Singing Bird Automaton Attributed to Bontems

Sold

H 13.5 in Dm 7.5 in

Rare and Fine French Antique Singing Bird Automaton Attributed to Bontems

Located in Montreal, QC

Rare and fine French antique singing bird automaton attributed to Bontems displayed in beautiful neoclassical style gilt bronze cage. The complex, 19th century mechanism recreates e...

Category

Antique 1880s French Neoclassical More Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Clock with Singing Bird Automaton and Musical Mechanism by Bontems

Sold

H 22.84 in W 12.21 in D 7.49 in

Clock with Singing Bird Automaton and Musical Mechanism by Bontems

By Bontems

Located in Zonhoven, BE

Very rare, one of a kind, clock made by Bontems in France at the end of the 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Other, Enamel

Outstanding quality antique 19th century French Boulle bracket clock and stand

$20,146

H 86.62 in W 16.15 in D 10.24 in

Outstanding quality antique 19th century French Boulle bracket clock and stand

Located in Ipswich, GB

Outstanding quality antique 19th century French Boulle bracket clock and accompanying pedestal, having a quality antique 19th century bracket clock with a round white dial with Roman...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century

$1,474

H 19.69 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century

By Empire Furniture

Located in Madrid, ES

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century 50cm x 26cm x 15cm good condition

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French mantel clock

$5,155

H 20.87 in W 12.21 in D 5.52 in

19th Century French mantel clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock, having a seated cherub holding the rains of a winged dragon pulling a scrolling foliate ...

Category

Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820

$16,280

H 19.69 in W 20.08 in D 6.3 in

French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive and stylish early 19th Century gilded ormolu and green marble mantle clock, having two classical maidens either side feeding Rams, an Eagle above the circular white...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock

$6,105

H 25.6 in W 16.93 in D 5.91 in

19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An impressive late 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock. Having three putti mounted to the top each playing musical instruments. The clock having an ei...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine

$18,700

H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 8.27 in

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine

Located in London, GB

The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien...

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

$20,415

H 22.45 in W 15.75 in D 4.73 in

Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock French, Late 18th Century Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 12cm A wonderful example of late 18th century ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

$7,868

H 18.51 in W 10.24 in D 6.3 in

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality French late 19th century gilded ormolu and champleve enamel mantel (fireplace) clock. Having urns and a cherub above the eight day clock that chimes on the hour a...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Victorian Lantern Clock by Charles Frodsham

$1,200

H 10.38 in W 4 in D 3.63 in

Victorian Lantern Clock by Charles Frodsham

Located in Savannah, GA

Brass lantern clock signed Chas. Frodsham, Clockmaker to H.M. The Queen. 4 inches wide by 3 ⅝ inches deep by 10 3/8 inches tall.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock

$1,797

H 15.41 in W 4.81 in D 3.35 in

Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

A highly unusual antique Victorian miniature grandfather or longcase table clock dating to around 1880, with a wonderfully architectural dark wood case and exceptionally decorative g...

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock – Latshea & Sons Edinburgh

$1,005

H 5.52 in W 3.15 in D 2.56 in

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock – Latshea & Sons Edinburgh

Located in Suffolk, GB

A fine antique Victorian French brass carriage clock with an 8 day movement retailed by Latshea & Sons of Edinburgh and made in France. The clock is housed in a traditional brass and...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Miniature Brass Carriage Clock With Alarm

$1,472

H 3.94 in W 2.17 in D 1.97 in

Antique Victorian Miniature Brass Carriage Clock With Alarm

Located in Suffolk, GB

A charming antique Victorian miniature brass carriage clock with alarm, housed in a traditional gilt brass case with bevelled glass panels and a folding carry handle. The clock is o...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock

$14,500

H 26 in W 23 in D 10 in

A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock

Located in Dallas, TX

A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI gilt bronze mantle clock . Signed by the clockmaker

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

$26,000

H 23 in W 27 in D 12 in

Fine Quality Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

The 8-day time and strike movement with silk thread suspension, dial signed "Raingo Freres, A Paris”. Origin: French Date: Mid/late 19th century Dimension: 23 in. x 27 in. x 12 in.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its Stand, Mantle Clock, Napoleon III Era

$2,099 / set

H 14.57 in W 7.88 in D 5.12 in

Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its Stand, Mantle Clock, Napoleon III Era

By Napoléon III, Ecole Boulle

Located in Bochum, NRW

Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its stand, Napoleon III Era. This is a good-sized French mantel clock dating from around 1880. It has a waisted case with applied brass decorati...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

$8,818

H 18.9 in W 14.57 in D 7.88 in

Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

The combination of sumptuous, lustrous ormolu and finely decorated Sevres style porcelain makes this mantel clock an exceptional piece. Built in France and retailed by the prestigiou...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period

$18,850

H 86 in W 50 in D 17.25 in

Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period

Located in San Francisco, CA

An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and mother of pearl decoration of flo...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

French Empire Revival 19th Century Giltwood Carved Figural Console and Mirror

$59,600Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 120 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in

French Empire Revival 19th Century Giltwood Carved Figural Console and Mirror

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine French Empire Revival 19th century giltwood and Gesso carved figural console table with matching mirror. The "D" shaped top console raised by a pair of seated winged sphinxes ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Console Tables

Materials

Marble

French 19th Century Vernis Martin Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts

$35,952

H 71.5 in W 26 in D 17.5 in

French 19th Century Vernis Martin Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts

Located in London, GB

A Vernis Martin cabinet in the Louis XVI manner Constructed in mahogany, with extensive ormolu mounts; the square rectangular tapering legs, dressed with brass mounts frame the th...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Four-Panel Reversible French Chinoiserie Coromandel Screens Paris, 1920s

$4,800

H 48 in W 45 in D 2 in

Pair of Four-Panel Reversible French Chinoiserie Coromandel Screens Paris, 1920s

Located in Miami, FL

Eight-Panel Reversible Chinese Coromandel Screen Pair of French chinoiserie screens, Paris, 1920s This French chinoiserie screens from the 1920s are composed of four panels richly ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

An Imperial Japanese Meiji Shibayama Tea Cabinet by The Tokugawa Samurai Clan

$574,500

H 84 in W 56 in D 20 in

An Imperial Japanese Meiji Shibayama Tea Cabinet by The Tokugawa Samurai Clan

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An Imperial Japanese Meiji Shibayama Tea Ceremony Cabinet by The Tokugawa Samurai Clan. This extraordinary Meiji-period shibayama cabinet, attributed to the Tokugawa samurai clan, s...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Antique Japanese Lacquer Inlaid Hardwood Meiji Period Shibayama Shodana Cabinet

$16,500

H 74.5 in W 48 in D 14.5 in

Antique Japanese Lacquer Inlaid Hardwood Meiji Period Shibayama Shodana Cabinet

Located in Portland, OR

An exquisite antique Japanese Meiji period Shibayama Shodana cabinet, circa 1880. One of the finest antique Shibayama cabinets one will see, the cabinet is finely inlaid and overlaid...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Gold

18th Century Renaissance Palladio Dining Room Set in blackening wood of walnut

$431,145 / set

H 157.49 in W 157.49 in D 157.49 in

18th Century Renaissance Palladio Dining Room Set in blackening wood of walnut

By Andrea Palladio

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Monumental and important Renaissance Palladio dining room set all in solid hand-carved walnut from a Palladian Palace in Vicenza of a Venetian patrician family. The back of the show...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Renaissance Dining Room Sets

Materials

Glass, Pine, Walnut

Art Nouveau Conifer Clock by Joself Kratina

$14,900

H 15.5 in W 9.5 in D 6.75 in

Art Nouveau Conifer Clock by Joself Kratina

By Josef Kratnia

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Czech artist Josef Kratina lived in Paris for several years and was a student of Auguste Rodin. He lived in New York from around 1907 onwards. Note: We highly recommend shipping thr...

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Antique Early 1900s Czech Art Nouveau Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

EXQUISITE RALPH LAUREN HAND DYED EUROPEAN KING SiZE BROWN LEATHER BED FRAME

$13,499

H 53.15 in W 70.87 in D 103.94 in

EXQUISITE RALPH LAUREN HAND DYED EUROPEAN KING SiZE BROWN LEATHER BED FRAME

By Ralph Lauren

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this handmade in America, Ralph Lauren European King size bed with fully restored, hand dyed, Cigar Brown le...

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20th Century Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Tiffany Studios New York "Greek Key" Table Lamp

$69,500

H 21.75 in Dm 16 in

Tiffany Studios New York "Greek Key" Table Lamp

By Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany

Located in New York, NY

An alluring and visually rewarding example of Tiffany Studios New York's great "Greek Key" table lamp. Mottled glass in hues of warm amber and bright sunshine yellow soften the wonde...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique Arts & Crafts Nutwood with Inlay Table or Mantel Clock, ca 1900.

$2,779

H 17.4 in W 12.5 in D 8.1 in

Large Antique Arts & Crafts Nutwood with Inlay Table or Mantel Clock, ca 1900.

Located in Lisse, NL

A rare and beautifully handcrafted Junghans mantel clock from the Arts & Crafts era, combining timeless design with exceptional craftsmanship. If you are looking for a truly excepti...

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Antique Late 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Table Clocks and Desk...

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Exceptional monumental Italian Renaissance dining room suite in carved walnut

$397,107 / set

H 137.8 in W 137.8 in D 137.8 in

Exceptional monumental Italian Renaissance dining room suite in carved walnut

Located in Vigonza, Padua

A remarkably complete late nineteenth-century dining-room ensemble conceived as a unified architectural interior, characterized by imposing proportions, elaborate carving and a sophi...

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Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Dining Room Sets

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Leather, Glass, Walnut

Art Nouveau Wall Clock, 1900s

$1,014

H 29.14 in W 14.97 in D 7.88 in

Art Nouveau Wall Clock, 1900s

Located in Praha, CZ

Art Nouveau wall clock with a charming, resonant chime. Made in Austria in 1900s. The clock's mechanism was cleaned and adjusted by a professional clockmaker. Paint is slightly worn ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

$66,500

H 22.25 in W 18.44 in D 7.5 in

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

Rare Mint Original 1900 French Mystery Water Wheel Rolling Ball Industrial Clock This rare French Industrial Waterwheel Clock (circa 1900) is a masterpiece of horological engineering...

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Antique Late 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

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Onyx, Bronze

Large Antique 19th Century Hand-Carved Black Forest Firescreen with Birds Nest

$2,938

H 48 in W 26 in D 18 in

Large Antique 19th Century Hand-Carved Black Forest Firescreen with Birds Nest

Located in Lisse, NL

Beautifully crafted screen with the original beveled mirror. For the collectors of top quality Black Forest home accessories we also have this stunning and one of a kind fire-place ...

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Antique Mid-19th Century European Black Forest Floor Mirrors and Full-Le...

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Louis XV Style Carved Gilt 3-Fold Screen with Embroidered Silk Panels

$33,000

H 84 in W 104 in D 3 in

Louis XV Style Carved Gilt 3-Fold Screen with Embroidered Silk Panels

Located in Queens, NY

French Louis XV style (19th Century) carved gilt 3 fold screen with blue silk embroidered panels and cornucopia design.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Gold Leaf

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French Automaton Clock For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the French automaton clock you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and ormolu, every French automaton clock was constructed with great care. A French automaton clock made by Industrial designers — as well as those associated with Baroque — is very popular. Andre Romain Guilmet and Europa Antiques each produced at least one beautiful French automaton clock that is worth considering.

How Much is a French Automaton Clock?

Prices for a French automaton clock can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $6,466 and can go as high as $168,500, while the average can fetch as much as $22,804.

Finding the Right Clocks for You

A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.

Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.

A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.

Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.

On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.

Questions About French Automaton Clock

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I adjust a French mantel clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.