This exquisite mantel clock is designed with a white marble case in the form of an urn, inset with a 360 degree turning circular enamel dial. The dial is formed of two enamel bands of Roman and Arabic numerals, for the hours and minutes respectively, which rotate to show the time. The enamel panel for the twelfth hour (XII) is signed for the maker 'L. Leroy & Cie A Paris'.
The clock case is mounted with twin ormolu handles as intertwined serpents and with other Classical objects and motifs beside such as a helmet, shield and torch. The cover is fluted and surmounted by an acorn finial; it can be removed to reach the movement, which is also signed and lists the working address of the maker 'L. Leroy & Cie A Paris / 7 BD De La Madeleine' and is numbered '17160'. Standing beside the clock case is a fine full length patinated bronze cherub figure with wings, draped in decorative motifs and reaching out with his right hand to show the time.
The case is set atop a square shaped stepped marble plinth base with wave and beaded ormolu decorations to the lower part and inset with rectangular ormolu panels, finely cast to depict Classical figurative river-god scenes.
The Parisian maker of this clock is L. Leroy & Cie., part of the famous Leroy dynasty of clockmakers, who were prominent and celebrated clockmakers from the early 18th Century. L. Leroy & Cie. worked at the address marked on this clock movement (7 Boulevard de la Madeliene, Paris) from around 1880 until the early 20th Century. They are well known for their small carriage clocks and pocket watches, but there are very few large mantel clocks known to have made by L. Leroy & Cie., making this one a rare example. It can be noted for its intricate details and very fine quality thanks to their specialism in smaller objects.
Details
Artist / Maker
By L. Leroy & Cie (French, active 19th - early 20th Century)