Datei:Etienne Maxant, Paris. (4).jpg

French Gilt-Bronze, Porcelain and White Marble Column Clock, Etienne Maxant, Paris, um 1885.

This is a very nice Victorian mantel clock that, like its rare period predecessor, personifies Love and Friendship. The light blue, white and gilt porcelain column stands in the center and houses the clock. The small porcelain dial has black lettering, roman numerals for the hour chapter and Arabic numbers for the minute chapter, gilt-bronze hands and is signed 'Fd. Berthoud, a Paris'. It was common practice for the Victorian makers who were interested in making accurate copies of period pieces to keep the period makers' names on the dials. A partially draped gilt-bronze maiden leans upon the porcelain column. In one hand she supports the portrait of Charles X while in the other are two flaming hearts representing eternal love. On the other side is a small boy playing with a dog, a symbol of fidelity. The whole stands upon a molded white marble base that is adorned with gilt-bronze mounts backed by patinated plaques. The two-train twin-barrel movement is accessed through a glass door on the back, has a balance wheel escapement and strikes on a bell. The movement is stamped EM for Etienne Maxant who is listed 1880-1905. We've owned several clocks by Etienne Maxant, all of which were very high quality copies of period models. This clock is a copy of a very rare model in which approximately ten are known to exist.

Height - 13.5 inches.