Louis XVI style ormolu lyre-shaped mantel clock by Le Roy

The mantel clock is designed in a distinctly Neoclassical manner from superbly wrought ormolu, or gilt bronze. The form of the lyre, perhaps the musical instrument most closely associated with classical antiquity, is the inspiration for the shape of the clock. The clock features a pierced ormolu circular dial, with Roman numeral hour indices on individual enamel cartouches, set into the soundboard of a lyre; the twin lyre branches spring upwards from the case, the two branches culminating in scrolled swan's head terminals, the swans' bills grasping a floral garland that brushes against the taut ormolu lyre strings. Between the swan's head finials is a classical mask of a bearded man, sunbursts radiating from his head.

The lyre-form case is supported by a square plinth-form base, which is mounted with assemblages of classicising motifs, including cornucopias, flaming torches, and quivers of arrows. The ormolu throughout is superbly cast and finished with moulded detailing, such as the acanthus leaves that grasp the lyre branches.

The movement is stamped 'Le Roy a Paris', one of the most important clock making establishments active in Paris during the 19th Century.