Antique French Empire Ormolu Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock c.1820 Working 8 Day
Description
A very attractive and substantial early 19th-century French Empire / Restauration gilt bronze mantel clock, dating to approximately 1815–1830.
This impressive clock has a beautifully proportioned architectural case in the classical Empire taste, richly decorated with finely cast and chased gilt bronze ornament.
Decoration includes elegant fluted column-form pilasters, floral and foliate mounts, ribbon-tied wreath decoration, crossed cornucopia-style motifs and distinctive decorated semicircular feet.
The dial is particularly attractive, with black Roman numerals, finely engine-turned decoration to the centre and elegant dark hands, surrounded by a richly modelled floral and foliate gilt-bronze bezel.
The clock contains a traditional French circular two-train movement with outside countwheel striking mechanism, characteristic of quality French mantel clocks of the early 19th century. It is an approximately eight-day movement, with separate going and striking trains.
The clock is currently working well and running as it should. The movement is functioning nicely and the clock presents extremely well.
Measurements
Height: 39 cm
Width: 20 cm
Depth: 12 cm
The clock retains a wonderful antique appearance. The gilt bronze has developed an attractive mellow colour and natural patination over approximately two centuries and has not been aggressively polished or restored.
Condition
Very good antique condition considering its considerable age.
The clock is working well at the time of listing. As with any antique mechanical clock of this age, however, exact long-term timekeeping cannot be guaranteed, particularly following transportation, and occasional adjustment or servicing should always be expected with antique clocks.
There is normal age-related wear throughout, including some rubbing and wear to the gilding, surface marks, scratches, tarnishing and variations in colour and patination. These have been retained as part of the clock’s genuine antique character.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition in detail.
No maker’s signature has yet been identified, so the clock is being offered as an early 19th-century French Empire / Restauration gilt bronze mantel clock, rather than being attributed to a particular clockmaker or bronzier.
A handsome and highly decorative French Empire ormolu mantel clock, approximately 200 years old, combining an impressive architectural case with a genuine period mechanical movement.
A superb statement piece for a mantelpiece, console table, period interior or collection of French decorative arts.
Working well and ready to display and enjoy.
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