A FINE AND LARGE 19TH CENTURY BRONZE FIGURAL CLOCK SIGNED DENIERE, PARIS, CIRCA 1870

A FINE AND LARGE 19TH CENTURY BRONZE FIGURAL CLOCK SIGNED DENIERE, PARIS, CIRCA 1870depicting a winged putto / cherub holding an inscribed tablet beside a globe and other instruments of learning, centred by a fluted column housing the clock dial, with a gilt rope-twist bezel and enamelled dial with Arabic numerals interspersed with gilt stars, signed 'Deniere /Ft de Bronzes / Paris' with twin barrel movement, brocot suspension, rack striking to bell, the movement with 'Japy Frères' trade stamp and signed 'JUVUENAUX', raised on a white marble plinth, with pendulum and winder,54cm highThis fine clock was produced by the prestigious bronze manufacturer Deniere, probably in the 1860's or 70's when Napoleon III was Emperor of France. The firm was established by Francois Matelin and Jean-François Dénière in Paris in 1803, and records show that it was based at 58 rue de Turenne in 1813 and at 9 rue d’Orléans au Marais by 1820. During this period the firm flourished, employing over two hundred workers, and supplied clocks and candelabra for the French palaces, most notably Versailles and the Grand Trianon. In 1822, Deniere received the title of Provider of the King, Queen, Princes and Princesses and the Conservation of the Crown Furnishings, and also counted among his privileged clients the Duchesse de Berry and the King of Spain. In 1844 Deniere's son Guillaume went into partnership with him and in the following years they exhibited at numerous exhibitions including the Great Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 in London. At the time they were favourably compared to the great ormolu master Thomire.