Japy Freres Antique French Ormolu and Marble Clock ~ French - Circa 1880 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A charming antique French ormolu and white marble mantel clock, dating from the late 19th century and designed in the elegant Louis XVI taste. To one side sits a delightful gilded figure of a faun or satyr, traditionally associated with the pastoral world of classical mythology. The relaxed figure provides an appealing contrast to the formal marble clock case and is beautifully integrated into the composition.

The clock is formed around a finely modelled white marble architectural case, richly embellished with gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts. The circular enamel dial is framed by a decorative ormolu bezel and surmounted by a particularly attractive scrolling floral and foliate crest, giving the clock a light and graceful appearance. The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with delicate floral swags between the numbers. It is complete with its original finely fretted gilt hands.

The white marble base is mounted with finely cast ormolu decoration, including ribbon-tied floral swags, rosettes and beaded borders, all characteristic of the fashionable Louis XVI Revival style. The whole stands upon delicate gilt feet. The white marble and richly gilded bronze create a particularly attractive contrast, while the unusual figural subject gives the clock considerable decorative character. A very pretty example of French decorative clockmaking, ideal for a mantelpiece, console or collection of 19th-century French works of art.

The French movement is of high quality and is by Japy Freres. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is an old replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video below to hear the bell and watch the clock running.

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration. Marble is also very good with just some slight nibbles to the edges and corners. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage. 

Japy Frères mark on the movement backplate

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).