Clock Of The Universe

19th Century Hand-Carved “Clock of the Universe” – Château de Vitrey-sur-Mance, France
Price: £18,000
Dimensions: H 54” x W 38” x D 11”
Weight: 80 KG
Date: Circa 1860–1870
Origin: France
Material: Hand-carved Walnut
Condition: Excellent antique condition, with light wear and a few minor missing details as expected for age. Clock functions perfectly.
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Overview
Without question, this is one of the most breathtaking and rare artifacts we've ever had the honour of offering. This monumental, hand-carved walnut timepiece — affectionately known as the “Clock of the Universe” — is not just a clock, but a masterpiece of symbolic woodwork, mythology, and celestial storytelling.
Believed to have been crafted in France in the late 19th century, the clock was originally installed as part of the ornate woodwork within the Château de Vitrey-sur-Mance, located in Haute-Saône. Dismantled in the 1950s, this remarkable piece has remained preserved in secure museum storage ever since.
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Design Features
The sculpture is carved in two large sections from solid walnut and stands five feet tall. At its heart sits a functioning antique clock with brass, snake-shaped hands, each inlaid with small red stones for eyes — a detail both eerie and exquisite.
Surrounding the timepiece is an astonishing and complex relief carving that represents the universe itself. The narrative scene is alive with:
• Celestial bodies – including the sun and moon
• Zodiac symbols
• Angels and demons
• Mythical and earthly animals
• Elements of wind, fire, and space
The entire composition bulges out from its centre as if bursting into the cosmos, making it not only a timekeeping device but a philosophical statement on the nature of existence and the passing of time.
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Provenance
• Château de Vitrey-sur-Mance, Haute-Saône, France
• Part of an elaborate interior woodwork ensemble removed in the 1950s
• In storage for over half a century before resurfacing
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Condition
• Structurally solid and stable
• Aged patina consistent with 150+ years
• No signs of woodworm or rot
• Only 1–2 minor areas of missing carved detail, difficult to detect
• Clock mechanism functions accurately and comes with original key
We believe the clock was likely restored or adjusted during the 19th century, and while its current condition is exceptional, its aesthetic remains authentically antique.
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Shipping & Handling
• UK Buyers: Delivery available via trusted couriers, including bespoke service for large or fragile items
• International Buyers: Shipping available worldwide — please contact us for a custom quote before purchase
• We highly recommend tracked, insured, and crated shipping for this item due to its rarity and fragility
• Shipping time: 3–5 working days to dispatch
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Our Guarantee
We pride ourselves on transparency, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. All items are described and photographed as accurately as possible. Please inspect all photos and ask any questions prior to purchase — we are here to help ensure confidence in your decision.
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Returns & Cancellations
• Returns accepted only if the item is not as described, reported within 48 hours of delivery
• Change-of-mind cancellations are not accepted
• Return shipping (including insurance) is the responsibility of the buyer unless otherwise agreed upon
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Photographic Rights
All images are the property of The House of Antiques LTD. For usage rights or publication inquiries, please contact us in advance.
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A Final Note
This is not just a clock. It is a statement piece, a symbolic sculpture, and a testament to the imagination and artistry of 19th-century craftsmanship. For serious collectors of antique clocks, French Gothic Revival, or cosmological art — this may be a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.