Object Description
A superb 19th-Century French Flame Mahogany Napoleon Empire Period Egyptian style Mantel Clock
This clock was produced in the French Empire period, in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. At a result of Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. This is reflected in the two high-quality ormolu sphinxes in the niches on the base of the case. This austere mahogany-veneered oak case has a door at the back to access the movement and the pendulum. The case rests on four gilt brass bun feet.
The circular enamel dial has a fine chapter ring with Roma hour numerals, Arabic quarter-hour, five-minute and minute divisions. It is protected by a convex glass, set in an engine-turned gilt brass bezel. It is signed à Paris. The time is indicated by a fine pair of blued steel Breguet hands.
The spring-driven eight-day movement consists of going and striking trains. The going train has anchor escapement with a short silk-suspended pendulum, whilst the count-wheel controlled striking train indicates the hours fully and the half hours with one stroke on a bell, mounted on the backplate of the movement.