Antique French Empire Mantel Clock in Finely Mercury-Gilt Bronze, Circa 1800–1820

Magnificent French mantel clock in the Empire style, finely crafted in mercury-gilt bronze and dating to circa 1800–1820. On the left, a young man dressed in a short tunic, with a band around his arm and a flute, stands in an elegant pose with crossed legs, leaning against a long staff or oar atop a rocky elevation.

On the right, an architectural block houses the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, enclosed within a finely decorated guilloché rope-pattern bezel. A set of bagpipes rests on top of the block, while beneath the dial a decorative trophy features laurel wreaths, fasces and crossed attributes.

The rectangular base is adorned on the front with a refined frieze of palmettes and scrolling foliage, centred by a rosette, and rests on four turned, spinning-top-shaped feet.

The dial bears the watchmaker's signature, “Croizac”, together with the place name Villefranche.

Period: Circa 1800–1820
Origin: France
Materials: Mercury-gilt bronze, white enamel dial
Dimensions: 19 × 9 × 33 cm

SKU: 17596