Charles X period lapis and ormolu mantel clock by G. J. Galle

This Restauration-period mantel clock is formed from ormolu (gilt bronze) mounted lapis lazuli, the lapis being a later veneer. The lapis clock case features a semi-circular top, which follows the line of the circular dial. The lapis case is supported by an ormolu socle, the ormolu cast with acanthus leaf motifs, which is raised upon a rectangular lapis base. To the front of the case, below the dial, is set a classicising ormolu tazza form mount. The circular dial, inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks, is encompassed by a border of five-point stars. The dial is signed ‘Galle Rue de Richelieu’, signifying the French maker Gérard-Jean Galle.