Large ormolu mounted automaton musical mantel clock

This beautiful mantel clock is contained by a large glass dome, both the dome and the clock contained within supported by a rectangular marquetry inlaid rosewood base.

The clock itself features a slab-form wooden case, with the front inset to the centre with the silvered clock dial. The dial is encompassed by an ormolu border, the surface of which features relief cast dragon-like sea monsters. Each front corner of the case is set with an espagnolette-like cherub mount, each of whom blows a sea conch and is connected to the other by a large nautical themed ormolu swag. The case is raised by two rocaille-like feet to the front, cast from ormolu with rich foliate detailing.

Most remarkably, the case is topped by an elaborate marine themed surmount. Set on a naturalistically cast patinated bronze “sea” are two ormolu figures—one of whom pulls a rope while the other gazes out to sea. A three-mast ship is mounted towards the rear, while a wonderful tree rises on the left side. The surmount is an automaton, the various elements moving in unison. Moreover, the clock contains a musical movement.

With glass dome and base: Height 90cm, width 70cm, depth 33cm
Clock without dome and base: Height 60cm, width 47cm, depth 20cm