French clock, the movement is stamped on the backplate S. Marti et Cie Medalle d'Argent. It has anchor escapement and strikes the hour and half hour on a bell using a countwheel strike system. There is a fine fast/slow adjuster above the number 12; this adjuster is stamped Brocot Propte The dial centre is finely pierced with a floral motif, the white enamel dial has roman chapters with arabic 15 minute markers. (Hairline cracks) The case is made of yew wood; it has good colour and original finish with boxwood line inlay. To the left of the clock is an extremely fine biscuit figure (Pales?) draped in a thin full-length classic dress. To the right is a fountain and a (original green glass) pool. The case has a gilt brass freeze with original mirror backing (some fading to mirror) and mounts depicting baskets of fruit, ribbon, shepherd's staff and rod, flowers etc. all original to the clock (see pictures). The biscuit porcelain figure is probably Pales as indicated by the shepherd's crook and rod, fountain, pool and pastoral scene. She looks carefree and is collecting flowers. Pales is a roman guardian spirit of the flocks who was worshiped at Rome. This deity also typifies spring and the pastoral life. In her honour the festival of Parilia was celebrated on April 21st. The purpose of the festival was twofold. Originally, it was a pastoral festival to purify both sheep and shepherd. Later, the festival was recognized as the birthday of Rome, the day on which Romulus killed Remus and founded the city in 753 BCE. The clock is in good condition and working order, it has not been cleened. The pendulum is of the corect type but may be a replacement. The figure has a repair to her hand and dress, some petals and her little finger is mising. This fantastic clock has been priced accordingly. C1840
£Sold
Item S461
Hight 14" width 13 ½" Depth 4"