A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock

Object Description

An Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock.

French, Circa 1880.

Stamped to the movement ‘LEROY & FILS A PARIS, 823’.

This fine gilt-bronze and champlevé enamel clock has an arched case with outset bulbous columns to the angles, it is surmounted by a drum top with a pierced scroll and ball finial and applied with expressive cherub mounts. The front and sides of the clock are all exceptionally finely painted with neo-classical scenes of figures in an architectural setting and the top and base enriched with fine polychrome champlevé enamel.

The clock has an enamelled chapter ring with Roman numerals interspersed with anthemion devices and a twin barrelled, eight-day movement striking on a bell.

Object History

The firm of Leroy et Fils was founded by Bazile Charles Leroy in 1789. He was a clockmaker to the Emperor Napoléon, The Duke of Orleans, The Duke of Bourbon and Princess Pauline. In 1823, he filed a patent for self-winding atmospheric clock operated by weathervane and in 1840 a patent for wind clocks. When Charles Louis died in 1865 his son Louis Leroy took over the running of the business.

Object Details