An Empire ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy of Paris

An Empire ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy of Paris, the twin train eight day brass drum cased movement with an outside countwheel striking on a bell, with silk suspension, the circular annular enamel dial set within a chariot wheel with the movement visible through the spokes, with Roman numerals and signed 'LEROY PALAIS ROYAL No.114 A PARIS', the classical case depicting Minerva standing holding her shield, riding the lion chariot Diomedes, the plinth base applied with wreaths, the corners modelled as fasces with halberd finials and with a central scene of classical figures in a landscape setting, 45.5cm high, 49.2cm wide.

Provenance:

Purchased at a Christie's House sale.

The Collection of Sir Jeremy Lever.

Basile Charles Le Roy (1765-1839) founded The Maison de Le Roy in 1785 at Palais Royal in La Galerie de Pierre, Paris and was well known for producing fine quality clocks to the aristocracy and wealthy elite. He was the Master Clockmaker to Napoleon and worked for the King of Westphalia, Princess Pauline and the Duc de Bourbon.

See Elke Niehuser, French Bronze Clocks, p.69.