Viennese silver-gilt and enamel clock by Ludwig Politzer

This superb Viennese enamel and silver-gilt mantel clock takes the unusual form of an oil lamp. The clock rests on an almond-form base, which in turn stands on four silver-gilt bun feet. The base is enamelled with six panels depicting reclining classical figures, some nudes, spaced by stylised foliage panels. The top of the almond-form base is edged with a silver-gilt band. The main body of the clock sits upon a blue-ground enamel splayed-base stem, decorated with gold coloured foliate motifs, the flared base and capital of the stem being of gilt-silver.

The lamp-form body is of enamel and is painted with six panels, four of which contain painted angels while two consist of decorative gold-on-blue foliate patterns. The enamel body of the clock is painted throughout with gold scrolling foliage upon blue ground. The spout of the lamp-form body is mounted with a silver-gilt flame, with a mounted silver-gilt classical mask immediately below. The handle of the lamp features a large and elaborate silver-gilt mount in the form of a half-length classical figure who, holding a small vase in her right hand, gestures with her left hand towards the flame flaring from the spout.

The enamelled dial, featuring Roman numerals, is similarly decorated with golden foliate motifs upon blue ground. The clock is marked throughout with a conjoined 'LP' monogram, signifying the important Viennese maker, Ludwig Politzer.