French Mantel Clock by Lepine & Neveu, circa 1830

A gilded French mantel clock signed "Lepine & Neveu." The movement has a Swiss anchor escapement and a striking mechanism that chimes hours and half-hours on a fine bell.

The clock features an emblem of King François I of France—a crowned salamander—used as a legendary symbol of strength for the French kingdom. François I (1494–1547) adopted this emblem from his father, Charles d’Orléans. The salamander was believed to feed on flames and survive fire, symbolizing regeneration and eternity. This motif reappeared centuries later with King Louis-Philippe, who was known as "duc d’Orléans" before his coronation in 1830. A salamander depicted on this clock could thus symbolize timelessness or resilience. Dimensions: width 16.5 cm, table height 16 cm, depth 14 cm.