French Automaton Ormolu Clock in Gothic Style

French Charles X period Greek Revolution or Hellenistic mantel clock. The clock in original ormolu with a Turkish figure to the top. The silvered dial ha...

A very smart and stylish antique French Charles X period mantel clock in ormolu and patinated bronze with original ormolu throughout and surmounted by a fine ormolu urn on a stepped base. The clock signed on the dial "Mallet Hr. de Mg le Duc d'Orleans". The clock is set on decorated ormolu block feet and is constructed of patinated bronze with ormolu mouldings and applied ormolu mounts. A fine ormolu moulding is above the base and above this is a fine mount of a lyre surrounded by volumes of book and laurel. To the top of the clock is a superb ormolu urn decorated with scenes of putti playing, or holding an arrow of love or patting the dog...

Massive Chinese Ormolu High Relief Bronze Elephant Automaton Music Bracket Clock A truly magnificent Chinese Guangzhou studio automaton clock , large triple deck body supported on the back of four elephants , extremely ornate bronze case, floral relief, paste-set around the automaton windows and dial, ormolu bronze case, automaton glass waterfall and swimming ducks on the front and both sides, music plays hourly, palm trees on each corners spins as part of the automaton as well. Case: heavy bronze with ormolu gold gilt with large elephants Dial: porcelain dial with Roman numerals Clock Mechanism: 8 day mechanical movement with quarter striking, with studio mark Automaton: plays hourly, 3 large windows on the low deck showing spinning twisted glass tube to imitate waterfall, horizontal glass tubes made to look like river with animating ducks, very impression automaton, palm trees on the corners of upper decks rapidly spin as part of the automaton, 2 ribbons spinning on the center of top double gourd. Music box playing to accompany the automaton, making it a treat for both eyes and ears. Condition: clock is currently cleaned and in proper working order, automaton and music are playing properly as well, however, a professional adjustment is highly recommended after delivery. Literature: From the time the first clocks were brought to China from Europe around 1582, the Chinese Emperors were fascinated with European mechanical clockworks. As objects of curiosity and items of luxury, these early clocks incorporated mechanisms including music and animated figures. European clocks were called "zimingzhong' or "self-sounding bells...

This striking and highly detailed mantel clock is made entirely of ormolu, and is surmounted by the figure of an Eastern nobleman. He wears typical dress of his location and period: ...