Object Description
Large Louis XVI style malachite and ormolu mantel clock
French, Late 19th Century
Height 55cm, width 49cm, depth 31cm
In the Louis XVI style, with a rectangular canted case in a later malachite veneer and adorned with ormolu mounts, this magnificent mantel clock was made in France in the late nineteenth century. The elaborate rectangular case features a swept top surmounted by a floral wreath and quiver of arrows trophy, flanked by floriate urn finials. It is decorated with twin draped putti, and an oval shaped cartouche cresting, which is united by floriate and fruiting ribbon tied pendant swags. The front of the piece is inset with foliate scroll mounts, and the canted corners bear floriate pendant garlands, above female mask heads. The whole piece is set on foliate toupie feet.
The floral enamelled dial is painted with Arabic numerals and an outer five minute track. The brass twin movement strikes on two bells with a pendulum; there is a winder and adjusting key. The movement bears an indistinct pastille mark, probably for Japy Frères. A superb antique timepiece, it has a beautiful aesthetic quality and demonstrates the strength of late nineteenth French craft and design.