Charles X period ormolu and malachite mantel clock by Mallet

This Charles X period mantel clock is crafted from malachite and ormolu (gilt bronze)—the malachite being a later, beneficial addition that revives this nearly two-hundred-year-old clock with new life.

The clock is supported by a malachite rectangular stepped base, raised by four rectilinear ormolu feet. The step in the base is delineated by an encompassing foliate ormolu mount, and the upper step is set to the front with three ormolu elements: a bas relief panel depicting a classical figurative scene to the centre, flanked by a pair of assemblages of classicising motifs—comprised of lyres, shields, laurel wreaths, and quivers, among other emblems.

The malachite base supports the ormolu clock case, architecturally formed and inset with a circular enamel dial. The dial, inscribed with Roman numeral hour marks, is signed 'L’s. Mallet, / h’s de S. A. R. M. J’r le duc d’orléans'. The ormolu clock case is surmounted by an intricately cast ormolu oil lamp and globe set above books and is flanked by a pair of large putti—each putto is delicately cast, rendered with an expressive and naturalistic posture.