This malachite and ormolu (gilt bronze) standing clock is composed of a mantel clock set upon a pedestal. The mantel clock is formed of an amphora vase shaped case supported by a cylindrical stem above a circular foot, the stem and foot ornamented with classicising ormolu mounts. The foot of the vase sits upon an architecturally formed malachite plinth, which is decorated with inset ormolu relief panels depicting Classical scenes of reclining river gods.
The clock mechanism, called a cercle tournant, is composed of two cylindrical enamel discs, one enumerated with Roman numeral hour marks and the other with Arabic numeral minute marks. The vase shaped case is ornamented with ormolu mounts in the form of acanthus leaves and twin intertwined serpent handles and is surmounted by an ormolu pomegranate finial. The clock plinth also supports an ormolu figure of Cupid, whose outstretched hand holds an arrow that indicates the current time. Mars’ ormolu armour, namely a helmet and shield, lie near Cupid’s feet.
The pedestal that supports the mantel clock is similarly decorated. The clock is supported by a square shaped malachite entablature, which in turn sits upon an ormolu four-scroll Ionic capital. The central malachite column is rectangular in form and is mounted with ornate ormolu busts on each of its four sides. The column sits upon an ormolu torus, which in turn is supported by a multi-tiered malachite base.