19th Century French Gilt Bronze Ormolu Mounted Slate Marble Mantel Clock

A magnificent turn of the late 19th / early 20th century French three piece mantel set, retailed by the renowned Bailey Banks and Biddle, with movement by Samuel Marti of Paris. The stunning antique...

Elegant French Victorian era gilt bronze mounted alabaster antique mantel clock / shelf clock, attributed to master Parisian sculptor P.H. Mourey (1840-1910), with movement by renowned clockmaker Japey Frères (1776-1930s) circa 1870 Paris, France, second half of the 19th century, executed in luxurious Louis XVI taste, tastefully appointed, the neutral alabaster creates the perfect backdrop against the brilliant gilding. Having a soft, warm, creamy off-white alabaster base with subtle chalky beige undertones, shaped, with rounded sides, step molding and two hand-painted blue enamel parcel gilt turned tapering urn forms, raised on brass feet, decorated with lavish gilt metal ornamentation, including accents, ormolu flaming urn finials, unique recessed gilt brass perforated-like textured panels, and sculptural gilt bronze raised drum-form case, housing the classic white porcelain enameled dial with black Roman numerals, sophisticated gold-tone Breguet hands, framed by a beaded bezel, with must likely the original operational 8-day key-wind Japy Fils movement enclosed. Surmounted by an ornate brilliantly gilded spelter figural sculpture, finely detailed, depicting young boy and girl courting, holding a bird's nest with eggs over the housing, with large branching tree behind them, the couple posed leaning in to each other, wavy garb with incised detailing, standing on the alabaster base. Philippe H. Mourey (French, 1840-1910) was a master French sculptor, who produced a range of fine decorative art objects in the late 19th century. His work often combines painted porcelain panels and gilt metal mounts, similar to elements of this piece. PH Mourey was best known for his association with Japy Freres & Co. the noted 19th century Paris Clockmaker, and maker of this clocks movement. Mourey’s work can be viewed in various museums, especially in France, as well as major art collections, including the Royal Collection Trust in London. The Japy Frères workshop (1776-1930s) was started by Frédéric Japy in 1776 under a different name, eventually the iconic French clock and watchmaking firm was founded in 1806 by Frédéric Japy along with his sons, Pierre, Fritz and Louis, thus creating the trademark we know today, ‘Japy Freres’ or (Japy Brothers). Japy Frères won a number of medals at important exhibitions and achieved international recognition throughout much of the nineteenth century, including the prestigious Grand Medal of Honour, which was awarded to Japy in 1855 at the important Exposition Universelle Paris. - MARKS / SIGNED / HALLMARKED: Works stamped "Japy Fils depos 1855 medailler 1844 1840" circular medallion; "RS" within square, "2949" "55" Case housing: stamped "44", case underside "44" written in pencil, incised "IX", elaborate illegible writing in pencil, last word may say "Richebois?", possibly where the clock was to be sent or who it was commissioned by PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: 09/2024- Acquired from the reputable auction house, Dallas Auction Gallery, Dallas Texas. Great Estates, Fine Art, Furniture & Design auction catalog, lot#0064 Owned and curated by Reyne Hirsch, a long time media personality and expert in 20th century decorative arts. Hirsch was a top appraiser for Antiques Roadshow on PBS for 13 years. She's also a leading contributer to the Huffington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, amongst other publications. Hirsch has also founded highly regarded permanent art galleries as well as important exhibits throughout the United States. DIMENSIONS: (approx) 12" Tall, 12" Wide, 5" Deep CONDITION REPORT: Good original unrestored antique condition, especially considering its age, attractive appearance, patina, bright lustrous gilding, and working movement. Nicely aged patina over the whole, antique character and charm throughout, including rubbing to blue enamel with significant losses, age related patination, oxidation, tarnishing throughout, minor chips, nicks, abrasions to alabaster edges, all typical wear consistent with age, use, handling and exposure. Currently working, observed operating over long periods and keeping accurate time. Key, pendulum and bell included. Please note, as with all antique clocks...

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