Antique ormolu clock and barometer by Henry Dasson

The clock case and the barometer case are of identical form - each are shaped entirely in ormolu as a lyre. The elegant cases are surmounted by a shield surrounded by branches of laurels and acanthus leaves tied with a ribbon. This sits atop the lyre strings, which are decorated with swags. The circular faces of the clock and barometer are set within the main body of the lyre form, which is surmounted to the left and right with pedestal vases and encased within upwards curling acanthus leaf forms which terminate in cockerel heads to each side. The lyre is extended downwards into a train of further acanthus leaf forms which are tied with a bow.

The faces of the clock and barometer are both of white enamel dotted with gilt stars. The clock features black Arabic numerals and ormolu hands, (the barometer features black texts with a black hand), with the signature 'Girbelin', the provider of the internal mechanism. Meanwhile the casings are signed and dated 'Henry Dasson et Cie 1889,' by that prestigous French ébéniste and bronzier of the late 19th century.