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George Washington Mantel Clock
- This rare French mantel clock portrays George Washington in gilt bronze
- The figure follows John Trumbull’s celebrated portrait of Washington at Trenton
- Engraved inscriptions honor Washington’s leadership and the unity of the American republic
- Made circa 1815–1817, the clock reflects renewed patriotism following the War of 1812
- Get complete item description here
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Movement attributed to Jacques Nicolas Pierre François Dubuc, Paris
Case attributed to Gabriel (or L. Jeune) Rabiat, Paris (active 1810–20)
Circa 1815–1817
George Washington stands as the embodiment of American independence in this rare French gilt bronze mantel clock. Its movement is attributed to Jacques Nicolas Pierre François Dubuc and its case to Gabriel (or L. Jeune) Rabiat. The timepiece belongs to a distinguished group created in Paris for the. . .
Movement attributed to Jacques Nicolas Pierre François Dubuc, Paris
Case attributed to Gabriel (or L. Jeune) Rabiat, Paris (active 1810–20)
Circa 1815–1817
George Washington stands as the embodiment of American independence in this rare French gilt bronze mantel clock. Its movement is attributed to Jacques Nicolas Pierre François Dubuc and its case to Gabriel (or L. Jeune) Rabiat. The timepiece belongs to a distinguished group created in Paris for the American market circa 1815–1817. These elaborate clocks celebrated the nation’s founding hero at a moment of renewed patriotic feeling following the War of 1812. Related examples are preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Washington appears in military uniform, his stance derived from John Trumbull’s celebrated portrait of the general before the Battle of Trenton. He holds a rolled document beside the clock housing, which is crowned by an American eagle bearing a shield, arrows and an olive branch. Beneath the eagle, the engraved motto “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one,” affirms the unity of the republic. A white enamel dial with black Roman numerals contrasts with the richly ornamented gilt bronze case. Scrolls, palmettes and a central radiating mask decorate the architectural base.
Especially distinctive is the engraved drapery beneath the dial. Its inscription adapts Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee’s famous tribute to Washington: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Here, the wording concludes with the unusual phrase “First, in his Countrymen’s, heart.” Engraved rather than cast in relief, the lettering distinguishes this example from many related Washington clocks. Combining French craftsmanship with unmistakably American imagery, the timepiece expresses the enduring reverence for the first president in the early republic.
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Mantel Clocks |
| Depth: | 4.5 in. (11.43 cm) |
| Width: | 10.5 in. (26.67 cm) |
| Height: | 16.0 in. (40.64 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
