SOLD! Lioret Phonograph Mantle Clock

Jul 11
2 min read

Sound Meets Sculpture: The French Lioret Phonograph Mantle Clock

In the late 19th century, as recorded sound technology was rapidly advancing, inventor Henri Lioret introduced some of the most creative and beautifully integrated talking machines in horological history. Sourced from the Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection, Lot 3227 presents a rare French Lioret Phonograph Mantle Clock, circa 1900—a masterpiece of mechanical ingenuity and fine decorative art.

This exceptional piece stands out as a prime example of high-end French luxury items that seamlessly combined utility, sculpture, and early audio entertainment.

The Ingenuity of Henri Lioret

French watchmaker and inventor Henri Lioret was a true pioneer in the talking machine industry, best known for inventing durable celluloid cylinders long before celluloid became standard practice in North America. Beyond novelty talking dolls, Lioret crafted sophisticated musical and speaking automata.

His phonograph clocks featured an ingenious alarm mechanism: instead of triggering a traditional bell or chime, setting the alarm disc would engage a small internal phonograph mechanism to play a cylinder recording directly through an internal horn.

Exceptional Details of Lot 3227

1. Louis XVI Style Case & Fine Clockwork

Housed in a detailed, gilt-finished cast spelter case designed in the classic Louis XVI taste, the clock serves as an elegant mantle timepiece.

Porcelain Dial: Features a hand-painted enamel porcelain dial with crisp Arabic numerals and a central alarm setting disc.
Timekeeping: Powered by a single-train spring-wound movement that winds and runs smoothly.

2. Integrated Audio Mechanism & Internal Horn

Automated Sound Release: When the alarm triggers the Lioret phonograph movement, the lid of the clock case automatically opens to allow sound to project outward.
Celluloid Internal Horn: Sound is acoustic amplification at its finest, routed through an original built-in celluloid horn inside the case.
Cylinders Included: The lot comes complete with three original Lioret cylinders, along with an vintage replacement winding key.

3. Documentation & Provenance

This exact mechanical configuration represents a sought-after entry in antique sound scholarship, famously documented and pictured on page 101 of The Talking Machine Compendium by Fabrizio and Paul.

A Standout Historic Artifact

Combining fine French timekeeping with groundbreaking cylinder technology, the Lioret Mantle Clock remains one of the most charming crossovers between horology and phonograph history. For collectors seeking a museum-quality artifact with exceptional provenance, this piece from the Allen Koenigsberg Collection is a true centerpiece.