French Empire Lyre Clock
with Silk Suspension .

~ French - Circa 1830 ~

~~ Excellent condition ~~

A stunning and early mahogany and ormolu lyre clock, dating from 1830 with the original silk suspension movement. The style is Empire, chic and restrained classical with some ancient Egyptian influence in the design elements. The silvered dial sits above a boat shaped ormolu scroll (representing the boat that carries the sun in ancient Egypt), and is surrounded by an acanthus leave bezel.

The top of the clock is surmounted by four Corinthian columns which are designed to look as if they are supporting the clock below via seven alternating silver steel and brass rods. This is surmounted by a sun disc with a goddess mask. The base of the clock is decorated with a mask of a warrior (possibly Alexander the Great) with two arrow trophies and sits on two Egyptian bracket feet. Mahogany veneer used is beautifully coloured and figured and contrasts beautifully with the fine ormolu mounts.

The back door of the clock is glazed with bevelled glass to allow the movement to be seen.

The French movement is of the highest quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully serviced by our clockmaker. It is particularly early with silk suspension. Pendulum is original. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the movie below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent, mahogany veneer is good with some shrinkage cracks in places and it has a good original polish. Ormolu is also in excellent clean and bright condition. Dial has been freshly silvered and lettered.

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