Slate clocks were very popular during Queen Victoria’s reign as they were a popular color during the mourning period. Slate clocks are still made today.
Below are some examples of slate clocks including a pietra dura garniture and a marble clock with a slate face.
A BLACK SLATE AND PIETRA DURA THREE-PIECE CLOCK GARNITURE
Third quarter 19th century
Bearing presentation plaque dated 1875.
height of clock 9 3/4in (25cm); height of candelabra 11in (28cm)
Sold for US$191.25 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A FRENCH BLACK SLATE STRIKING MANTEL CLOCK
CIRCA 1880, SIGNED BY C. DETOUCHE
The case of curving architectural form with twin barrel movement, the dial with Brocot open escapement and ruby palletts signed ‘C. DETOUCHE FSEUR DE LA VILLE DE PARIS’, above a glazed cartouche housing the pendulum, flanked by a barometer and a dial indicating day, date and phases of the moon, on stepped base
- 1/2 in. (52 cm.) high; 21 in. (52.5 cm) wide; 7. 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep
Sold for GBP 3,000 at Christie’s in 2021
A 19th century French Mystery clock by Andre Romain Guilmet, Paris. 14-day spring driven time and strike movement with Black Slate dial and inlaid Roman numerals, cast Bronze bezel, adjustable Brass and Steel pendulum with Gilded Bronze mounts and Crystal bob, rear plate with “G L T” trademark, serial #208. Black Slate case surmounted by a Bronze Classical draped figure of a Greek Goddess which suspends the pendulum, with Gilded moldings, Lion’s mask side handles and a shaped molded base supported by paw feet.
Sold for US$6,500 at Schmidt’s Antiques Inc. in 2022
Rouge marble 19th century mantle clock with bronze mounts & slate dial with gilt numerals, clock is 12.5″ tall, no pendulum.
Sold for US$350 at Hudson Valley Auctioneers LLC Beacon NY in 2022
