Exquisite ‘library’ themed antique French ormolu clock

Southern Clocks is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite ‘library’ themed antique French ormolu clock. It was made by J. Charles of Paris, who is recorded as working between 1817 and 1827, and features a number of carefully modelled and highly detailed reminders of books and academia. The back panel upstand is a representation of a library or study, with four shelves of books, each book having a reliefed spine and decoration. There is also a decorated inkwell and quill in front of the shelves with fine detail. The representation is crowned with a stylised scroll cast crest and flanked by conforming side scrolls to the foreground.

Alongside the dial it would have been easy to design a couple of columns, but Monsieur Charles has created a pair of what we think are mythical amphipteres, winged serpents, which were also used as heraldic devices to indicate a dual mastery of the air and the ground. This is a complex clock and full of symbolism and would be ideal as a central feature in a busy and successful room.

The case is made from gilded bronze, or ormolu, and is a good example of the craft, with strong and clear sculpting. There is very little wear to the gilding. The clock is mounted on a veined grey marble block base, with a gilt shallow skirt with milled bun feet.

The dial itself is a circular engine turned silvered brass Roman numeral cartouche dial with an oval panel inscribed ‘J. Charles, a Paris’ to the centre and with wavy outer minute track, with well finished blued steel moon hands, all within a concentric bead cast moulded bezel.

All the elements of this clock are marked with the movement serial number 7132, including the dial surround, the engine-turned dial centre and the case itself. Monsieur Charles has signed both the movement back plate and the dial. Everything matches and has been together for nearly 200 years. The back plate also includes the Medaille D'Or stamp and is dated 1827.

The movement is a typically high quality French twin-train with countwheel striking on a small and pleasant-sounding bell at the back of the movement. These movements were very well made and kept good time and this one is no exception. It has been restored, cleaned and serviced in our workshops. The pendulum is suspended on silk with a regulating adjustment at the front of the dial.

The overall height of the clock is just over 42 cm (16 ½ inches). It is 16½ cm (6½ inches) wide and measures just 10 cm (4 inches) from front to back. It is available for sale at £2,850.

Southern Clocks is always delighted to set up our clocks and provide assistance in helping new owners live with their clocks. To enquire about this clock please contact jd@southernclocks.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1483 200503.