A FRENCH ORMOLU FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK

A FRENCH ORMOLU FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCKThe movement stamped for Achille Brocot, Paris, circa 1875The circular eight-day two train striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to escapement and stamped with AB star trademark over numbers 5344, 11, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel hands within repeating bead cast bezel, the break-arch top case with surmount cast as Amor standing with arms resting on his bow and pineapple finials over cavetto moulded cornice and fluted pilasters flanking the dial, the sides with lions mask ring handles and the rear stamped with repeat serial number 5344, on ogee moulded skirt base applied with rosette to apron over lions paw feet, with original giltwood plinth.The clock 35cm (13.75ins) high, 19cm (7.5ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.25ins) deep; including the giltwood plinth 39.5cm (15.5ins) high overall. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy collection. Achille Brocot is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development as born in 1817 and died in 1878. The Museums Victoria (Australia) website notes that Achille patented several improvements in clock mechanism escapements, and invented the 'Brocot Suspension', an adjustable pendulum spring which enabled time keeping to be regulated by altering the length of the pendulum suspension spring by a key turned in the dial. He also introduced a jewelled deadbeat escapement, sometimes called a visible escapement as it was often mounted in the middle of the dial. Achille was awarded a first class medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1855, and in 1856 was appointed Treasurer to La Société des Horlogers in Paris. He published a "Calculation of the Wheels by Approximation" in 1862. His sons Achille and Paul continued the business following Achille senior's death 1878. The firm was taken over by rival clock maker Gustave Gibaudet in 1889. Condition Report: Movement is in working condition however is lacking its bell (bell stand is present), a clean and overhaul is advised as the mechanism is a little tarnished/neglected in appearance. The dial has some light scratching to the surface between the VII and VIII numerals otherwise appears to be completely free of noticeable faults. The case is in fine original condition with strong well executed gilding and faults limited to patchy discolouration/oxidation in places. The clock is securely attached to the giltwood plinth which is also is in good original condition with faults limited to gilt rubbing and fading/wear to the velvet lining applied to its upper surface.Clock has pendulum and a winding key but is lacking its bell. Condition Report Disclaimer