Rare Neoclassical Antique Vintage French Empire Silvered Bronze Mantle Clock

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About the Item

This is a superb, highly decorative original, and rare authentic antique French Empire silvered bronze mantel clock, circa. 1870. The work is rendered in an elegant neoclassical style and is finely crafted from bronze and silver. The impressive mantel clock stands at an incredible 40 cm high and weighs 15 lbs 43 ozs. The quality of sculpturing is very fine, heavy and exceptionally well modelled, decorated with neoclassical symbols, and undoubtedly made by one of the best clockmakers and French silversmiths of the time. This early elegant clock case is crowned with a swagged urn finial. The dial features a circular white enamel dial, inscribed with elaborate decoration, Roman numeral chapters and flanked by scrolling foliate and swag finials. This exceptional 1st class quality clock comes with twin-barrel movement that strikes on the hour and half-hour on a bell and has one pendulum and two winding keys. Napoleon III was coming to the end of his reign in France by 1870, and the neoclassical style was characterized by Roman-influenced styles, geometric lines, swags, festoons, laurels and wreaths. Silvered bronze is more unusual than other decorative bronze techniques. Silver was generally highly valued, second only to gold, and craftsmen developed methods of applying thin layers of silver onto bronze works for decorative effect. Silvering was not only undertaken for decorative purposes but also to ensure that the black numbers of the dial could be easily read against its white background. Examples of silvered clocks can often be found in several museums around the world. This incredible clock is a must-have for any collector of ornamental and decorative antique pieces. ------------------------------ Condition Report: Very Good (with normal age-related wear, marks and abrasions).The silvered finish with some worn areas reveals the bronze beneath. Cleaned, polished surface overall. The enamels of the numerals are worn, and some enamel is lacking in places. The hinged door to the back is heavily tarnished, as depicted. The clock comes with one pendulum and two winding keys. 40 cm (H), Weight 15 lbs 43 ozs. Our certified British Horological Institute member inspect each clock before shipment, including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Provenance: From a well-known privately owned specialist fine art and antique expert and valuer with over 30 years of experience. Member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA) and The Association of Accredited Auctioneers (AAA).

Metal:
Silver,Bronze
Weight:
15.43 lbs
Dimensions:
Height: 15.75 in (400 mm)
Style:
Neoclassical
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1870-1879
Date of Manufacture:
1870
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2800216811192