Rare Antique Brass Figural Mantel Clock - Allegory of Music / Lyric Poetry - Signed LINET AÎNÉ À PARIS - c. 1860 (For Restoration Project) A rare and high-quality collector's piece: a monumental French mantel clock made of finely cast and chased brass, dating back to the second half of the 19th century (Napoleon III period). The centerpiece features a beautifully sculpted allegorical female figure (a Muse, likely Erato), highly detailed on all sides (fully finished and chased back), resting next to a classical lyre, laurel wreaths, and a horn. The clock drum is set on a heavy, monumental base richly decorated with rocaille scrolls and foliage motifs. ## Technical Details & Authenticity: * **Maker / Signature:** "LINET AÎNÉ à PARIS" (original oval maker's stamp on the backplate). Linet Aîné was a highly regarded, premium horloger-bijoutier operating on Rue des Gravilliers, Paris, known for high-end limited luxury editions rather than mass production. * **Serial Number:** 1002 (early, low serial number indicating a short production run). * **Pendulum Specification Stamp:** 5.2 (stamped below the wheel, indicating a standard Pendule de Paris pendulum requirement with a nominal length of 5 French inches and 2 lines — approx. 14 cm). * **Suspension System:** Brocot steel-spring suspension (finely adjustable via the small winding aperture at 12 o'clock on the dial). * **Striking Mechanism:** Countwheel system striking on a bell on the half and full hour. * **Dimensions:** Maximum base 44.5 cm. * **Dial:** White enamel with Roman numerals, preserved in excellent condition with no visible hairlines or chips. * **Back Door:** Brass bezel retaining its original convex crystal glass, completely intact on its hinge. ## Condition Report & Restoration Potential: The clock is sold as found, directly from a private estate, making it an exceptional winter project for professional restorers or antique clock enthusiasts: * **Casing:** The heavy brass casing shows significant, natural green oxidation (verdigris) deposits on the upper platform and within the joints, requiring a safe, gentle chemical/mechanical cleaning. The underlying brass structure is solid and retains crisp details. * **Movement:** The movement visually appears clean and complete, with no rust on the arbors or pivots. It is currently untested and sold as-is, needing a standard ultrasonic cleaning and re-oiling. * **Missing Parts:** The pendulum and the winding key are missing. An exceptional, signed mid-19th-century Parisian timepiece that will easily double its value once properly cleaned and paired with a compatible 5.2 pendulum. Dimensions : 44.5 cm × 30 cm × 14.5 cm The product will be professionally packed and sent safely to your address by local post. The pictures of the product are made with the highest possible resolution, precisely to capture possible small defects (small scratches, stains, defect), the pictures are part of the product description.