A FRENCH EMPIRE PATINATED BRONZE AND ORMOLU MOUNTED ROSSO FRANCIA MARBLE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK

A FRENCH EMPIRE PATINATED BRONZE AND ORMOLU MOUNTED ROSSO FRANCIA MARBLE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCKThe dial now inscribed for Breguet et Fils, Paris, early 19th centuryThe circular eight-day striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the backplate stamped with serial number 52 over ST, the circular gilt Roman numeral dial with concentric engine-turned centre incorporating curved sector bearing inscription BREGUET ET FILS, with blued steel moon hands set within repeating leaf and flowerbud cast bezel, the case cast with a standing robed Classical female muse leaning against a pedestal applied with a book resting on top of a laurel wreath, the plinth fascia with laurel and winged sceptre upper quadrant moults over the clock dial and stylised oil lamp beneath, on plinth base applied with generous mount cast with laurel wreath and palm decorated trumpets over repeating lotus leaf moulded skirt base with gilt block feet.51cm (20ins) high, 33cm (13ins) wide, 13.5 (5.25ins) deep. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. The studious nature of the subject matter of the current clock was very popular during the French Empire period as they embody the 'use of time'. Condition Report: The movement is in working order and appears free form noticeable alteration or signififcant replacements. The bell is currently lacking and the strike train is currently operating half-an-hour out of sync (strikes the half hour on the hour and the full hour on half past!). This should be fairly straightforward to resolve (by repositioning the hands). The dial has some very light discolouration/mellowing to the gilt finish; the numerals have also been retouched. We are of the opinion that the text BREGUET ET FILS has been later added to the dial later and hence the clock is unlikely to have originated from the Breguet workshop. The case is generally in good original condition with the bronze patination and gilded finishes being original and only showing light wear/discolouration. The marble has some slight edge/corner chipping throughout and a filled repair to the upper right-hand corner of the skirt where it meets the lotus-leaf cast moulding. Faults are otherwise very much limited to minor age related blemishes.Clock has a pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer