Large antique Mannerist style ormolu cartel clock with bell

The cartel clock base is pointed, and has scrolled edges, which frame a central architectural style cartouche. The sun-burst clock pendulum hangs before this cartouche. This base extends upwards to form the clock back, which has two projecting arms. The central, circular white enamel clock dial, which features Arabic Numerals, is located between the arms. The dial has been set within a scrolling, ormolu case, which is topped by a lion’s mask, and has a lower-finial, cast as a shield, framed by a cartouche. The dial case is fixed to the two arms in such a way that is projects out independently from the back panel of the clock.

Stylised pilasters decorate the arms of the piece, and feature scrolling foliage and strapwork ornament, as well as flower bud and pointed trefoil lower finials. These support a round-headed arch, which has a trefoil-shaped profile, and pierced trefoil corners.

A large bell is suspended from the arch, and is heavily embossed with scrolling vines, and depictions of Christian figures within quatrefoil profiles, and phoenixes, which are often symbolic of Christ’s resurrection. The bell is inscribed with the Christian blessing, ‘DOMINUS VOBISCUM’ (‘The Lord be with you’) and the response, ‘ET CUM SPIRITU TUO’ (‘And with your spirit’). It also features part of the Lord’s Prayer, beginning ‘PATER NOSTER IN COELIS’, which translates as, ‘Our father in heaven’. The arch is topped by a pointed architectural form, with a small finial before it.