A FRENCH LOUIS PHILIPPE PATINATED BRONZE AND SIENA MARBLE FIGURAL EQUESTRIAN MANTEL CLOCK

A FRENCH LOUIS PHILIPPE PATINATED BRONZE AND SIENA MARBLE FIGURAL EQUESTRIAN MANTEL CLOCKLeroy and Fils, Paris, circa 1840The circular two train eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension and engraved No 2049, LEROY & FILS, H;GERS DU ROI, A PARIS over stamped text Pailly FRERES to the lower margin of the backpate, the circular silvered Roman numeral dial engine-turned throughout and with steel moon hands within egg-and-dart moulded circular surround set behind hinged bevel-glazed bezel, the case with deep chocolate-brown patinated bronze surmount finely cast as a jockey astride a racehorse on naturalistic base, the marble plinth with tied reeded band to upper margin and generous acanthus scroll cast mounts flanking the dial, on skirt base with repeating leaf cast upper moulding and acanthus feet joined by an apron of foliate scrolls.56.5cm (22.25ins) high, 34.5cm (13.5ins) wide, 14cm (5.5ins) deep. The clockmaking firm Leroy can be traced back to 1785 when the business was founded by Basille Charles Le Roy at 60 Galerie de Pierre, Palais Royal, Paris. During the Revolutionary years the firm relocated to 88 Rue de L'Egalite before finally settling at Galerie Montpensier, 13 and 15 Palais Royal. In 1828 Basille Charles died leaving the business to his son, Charles-Louis, who continued producing clocks signed 'LeRoy & Fils' until 1845 when the firm was sold to his former employee Casimir Halley Desfontaines; who in turn was succeeded by his son M. George Halley Desfontaines in 1883. In 1888 M. George Halley died leaving the business to his brother Jules Halley who then took-in as a partner Louis Leroy (apparently no relation to the founders of the firm). In 1899 the firm left Palais Royal and moved to Boulevard de La Madeleine where it continued trading in the hands of various successors until well into the 20th century. A Pailly Jeune is recorded in Tardy DICTIONNAIRE DES HORLOGERS FRANCAIS as a bronze founder working from Rue Chapon, Paris in 1812. Pailly Freres may well be successors who were perhaps responsible for founding fine bronze equestrian surmount of the present clock.Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition and appears free from alteration or significant replacements, the pendulum however is lacking. The dial has fairly heavy tarnishing/discolouration but other than having a light surface scratch to the centre is free from damage or noticeable wear. The bronze surmount and other mounts to the case are in fine condition and have particularly pleasing rich chocolate brown patination however the marble has numerous issues. The top panel (beneath the equestrian surmount) has cracks and noticeable old chipping to the rear edge which has been partially polished-out. The front and left hand side panels are visually presentable but appear to have been restored with some filling and colouring applied; the right hand side is in similar condition but with two front to back hairline cracks which are particularly visible due to dirt ingress. The skirting has cracking and movement around the left hand front corner and a loss around 3cm across by 1.5cm high to the lower edge of the left hand side; the edges also have some wear, slight cracking and historic chipping. The rear has some edge wear and chipping also, and the main panel has probably seen some restoration (filling and retouching).Clock does not have a pendulum or winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer