An impressive French mantel clock dating to the mid-19th century, featuring an elegant combination of richly gilt bronze and finely patinated bronze. The sculptural composition depicts a young boy seated on horseback, raising a riding crop while gently holding the reins. Set upon a naturalistic rocky landscape with foliage and a bird, the finely modelled group rises above an elaborate Rococo Revival gilt-bronze clock case adorned with scrolling acanthus, flowers, grape clusters and gardening attributes.
The beautifully pierced gilt-bronze case frames a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, creating a striking contrast with the dark patinated sculpture above. The original gilt surface remains exceptionally vibrant and well preserved, giving the clock remarkable visual presence.
The movement bears the original “Les Japy Fils – Médaille d’Argent 1844 et 1849” award medallion. Founded by Frédéric Japy in 1777, the Japy workshops became one of the foremost manufacturers of French clock movements during the nineteenth century. The medallion commemorates the silver medals awarded to the firm at the French National Industrial Expositions of 1844 and 1849 and supports a manufacture date after 1849.
The movement has been tested for more than twenty-four hours and is currently running correctly. Both the timekeeping and striking functions operate properly at the time of cataloguing. The clock is accompanied by its original winding key, a later pendulum and removable rear brass cover.
A substantial and highly decorative French mantel clock that combines excellent sculptural quality, beautifully preserved gilding and a documented Les Japy Fils movement, making it an outstanding display piece for both traditional and eclectic interiors.
Details:
Dimensions: Height: 46 cm (18.1 in.); Width: 36 cm (14.2 in.); Depth: 14 cm (5.5 in.).
Condition: Good antique condition. The movement has been tested for more than twenty-four hours and is currently running correctly, with both the timekeeping and striking functions operating properly at the time of cataloguing. The gilt bronze retains an excellent appearance with only light age-related wear. The white enamel dial has one fine hairline crack and a tiny edge chip. The riding crop held by the boy appears to have a small loss to its tip. Historic repairs and soldering are visible to the rear feet and within the back of the case. These repairs are stable, the clock stands securely, and they are largely invisible during normal display. Later pendulum. Original winding key and removable rear brass cover included. As with all antique mechanical clocks, future servicing may eventually be required, and long-term accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
