Portico clock - Wood, Brass - 1850-1900

This is a beautiful Napoleon III mantel clock, a decorative clock from the second half of the 19th century (circa 1850-1880). This type of clock became popular during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France and is a typical example of the lavish and elegant style of that period. Below follows an extensive description:

Features of the clock

1. Material & Finish
• The clock has a wooden case, probably ebonized (black lacquered wood), which is characteristic of Napoleon III style.
• Decorated with boulle inlay, a technique in which brass and tortoiseshell (or later imitations such as brass and resin) are combined in graceful patterns.
• Golden ornaments, such as the richly decorated dial frame and the pendulum, give a luxurious look.
2. Dial & Movement
• The dial is white enamelled and equipped with Roman numerals for the hours.
• Two winding holes indicate a mechanical spring-driven movement, which likely has a striking mechanism that chimes on the half and full hour.
• The hands are graceful and typical for the period.
3. Architectural Design
• The clock is built as a kind of portico, with four twisted columns (barley twist columns), which gives an elegant appearance.
• The top has a profiled crown, decorated with floral and symmetric motifs.
• The base is robust and richly inlaid with decorative patterns, matching the rest of the case.
4. Pendulum & Mechanism
• The pendulum has a detailed gilded finish with floral motifs and a weight that regulates the movement.
• The clock is wound manually, probably with a key, through the openings in the dial