Fine 19th century French ormolu mantel clock (pendule) by Leroy a Paris, c. 1825

Fine 19th-century French ormolu mantel clock (pendule) by Leroy a Paris, c. 1825

A most beautiful French ornolu mantel clock by Leroy à Paris

A lovely French late Empire/early Charles X mantel clock with an ormolu case, c. 1825. The ormolu brass case depicts a celebration of Science and Learning. It is dominated by a rectangular superstructure containing the movement, flanked by an engine-turned column with a celestial globe on top on the left and an elegant lady reading a book on the right. The superstructure is surmounted by a bookcase and a bust of Socrates, a laurel wreath, a few books, and some scientific instruments. The stepped base has a fine bas-relief depicting two active putti surrounded by many scientific instruments with a globe on a base in the middle. The whole rests on four block feet, the front two embellished by bas-reliefs depicting an anchor with a rope and leaf motifs.

The silvered dial is signed by the maker LEROY A PARIS and is divided into Roman hour, five-minute and minute divisions. The time is indicated by a fine pair of period blued-steel Breguet hands. The dial is surrounded by a floral wreath, with floral and leaf spandrels in the top corners and two cherubs in the lower corners holding a swag.

The eight-day movement consists of going work and striking trains. It is constructed between two circular plates and is driven by two springs in spring barrels. The going train has an anchor escapement and a short pendulum with silk suspension. It can be regulated with a watch key from the front. For this purpose, there is a turnable arbor above the XII with a square with which the length of the suspension wire can be varied. The striking train indicates the hours fully and the half hour with one stroke on a bell.

The maker
The maker belongs to a dynasty of clockmakers bearing the name Leroy. It is difficult to establish which Leroy is the creator of this clock.