A FRENCH NAPOLEON III LOUIS XVI STYLE ORMOLU MOUNTED CARRERA MARBLE MANTEL CLOCK

A FRENCH NAPOLEON III LOUIS XVI STYLE ORMOLU MOUNTED CARRERA MARBLE MANTEL CLOCKIndistinctly signed, Paris, mid 19th centuryThe circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension and backplate inscribed 10107, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with indistinct signature over A PARIS to centre and with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with fine scroll pierced and engraved gilt brass hands set behind hinged engine-milled convex-glazed ormolu bezel, the case with surmount finely cast was a basket of fruit over gilt drum housing the movement flanked by goats standing to eat fruiting vine issuing from the surmount, raised on rectangular upright inset with crisp torchere and cornucopiae cast mount to front and flanked by winged putti supporting platforms for the goats, on D-ended cavetto moulded plinth base inset with panels of ribbon-tied floral swags over leafy toupe feet, with a pair of ormolu mounted urn side pieces, mid 19th century, each with berry finial to the domed top and spiral flute cast waisted collar over shouldered body raised on three grotesque mask supports with coiled snake between, on concave sided triform base with disk feet.The clock 42cm (16.5ins) high, 32cm (12.5ins) wide, 12.5cm (5ins) deep; the side pieces 30.5cm (12ins) high.Condition Report: Movement is complete and appears all-original with no visible signs of alteration; although it is running and striking a gentle clean/service will be required before putting it into service. The dial has chipping around both winding holes, there is also another small edge chip above the II numeral. The signature is rubbed and there a few spots that might be firing faults to the enamel. The case is generally in sound original condition however the small tablet of marble between the dial and the basket of fruit surmount is cracked. The mounts are generally discoloured/muted/dirty but appear to retain original gilding albeit with moderate wear hence may respond well to cleaning. The marble is otherwise in fine condition with only a few very tiny edge chips.Both of the side pieces are in good original condition but have one or two small but noticeable edge chips to the marble at bases. One also has a series of pin-prick blemishes to the marble body. The mounts are in the same condition as those of the clock itself.Clock has pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer