A FRENCH NAPOLEON III ORMOLU FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK OF IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONS

A FRENCH NAPOLEON III ORMOLU FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK OF IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONSTHE MOVEMENT BY SAMUEL MARTI ET CIE, PARIS, CIRCA 1870The circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement and Brocot type regulation to pendulum suspension, the backplate stamped with Samuel Marti & C., MEDAILLE DE BRONZE roundel and serial number 1435 over additional numeral 6 to lower margin, the 4.75 inch circular convex blue-on-white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and scroll pierced gilt brass hands set behind hinged bead cast convex glazed bezel, the very substantial case with surmount cast as a reclining Classical female muse in flowing robes holding a laurel wreath and resting her elbow on a lyre, together with Putti attendant making notes on a tablet already inscribed Honore, Alexandre and Raphael seated beside a stack of books, laurel wreaths and a sword, the breakfronted plinth base centred with the dial adorned with richly cast acanthus crest and arched egg-and-dart mouldings over leafy scrolls issuing floral festoon to apron, flanked by recessed panels each centred with a rosette and generous leaf-cast angle mounts continuing down to the cavetto moulded skirt base cast with leafy trails to mouldings and inset with panels, on toupe feet resting on a purpose made gilt plinth.64cm (25.25ins) high including giltwood stand, 86cm (34ins) wide, 28.5cm (11.25ins) deep.