Lapis lazuli, gilt and patinated bronze clock set by Marchand

This set features a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra. The mantel clock stands on a wide, stepped oval base which is crafted from lapis lazuli—a precious deep blue stone—and set on eight gilt bronze (ormolu) toupie feet. The base is decorated with gilt bronze mounts, including a middle foliate and guilloche-patterned band, an upper central flower wreath and crossed branches, flanking openwork guilloche bands enclosing diamond-shaped rosettes, and side husk swags.

The clock’s base is topped by a gilt bronze triangular case. At the centre of the case, there is a circular white enamel dial, featuring navy Roman Numerals, black Arabic Numerals and the maker’s name ‘L. Marchand/ A Paris / Rue Richelieu 57’. This dial is displayed behind a glass lens, within a gilt bronze reed-and-ribbon bezel. The gilt bronze case is decorated with a central satyr mask and its geometric scrolled shoulders are topped by patinated bronze sculptures. These depict full-length seated female figures in classical dress, holding gilt bronze swags. The clock case is surmounted by a gilt bronze urn, featuring a gadrooned body which is fitted with two goat-head handles, with flower garlands held in their mouths. The urn’s lid is fluted and decorated with a Vitruvian scroll pattern, and it is crowned by a flower bouquet finial.

This mantel clock is flanked by a pair of candelabra which are of matching design. They stand on cylindrical lapis lazuli plinths which are set on gilt bronze toupie feet. These plinths are mounted with gilt bronze scrolls, egg-and-dart bands, husk trails, flower swags and beading. They are topped by patinated bronze sculptures, depicting full-length nude putti figures. The putti are draped with gilt bronze flowers and they hold gilt bronze cornucopias in their raised hands. From each cornucopia, there springs five gilt bronze candle-holders. These feature arms which are shaped like leafy scrolled vines and support foliate drip-pans and urn-shaped capitals with beaded sconces.

Clock: Height 64cm, width 65cm, depth 22cm
Candelabra: Height 82cm, width 32cm, depth 32cm