French Annular Dial (cercle Tournant) Mantel Clock

This Napoleon III mantel clock with rotating dial is distinguished by the great condition of its gilding, which is outstanding compared to other clocks from this period. Clocks with horizontally rotating dials are called "cercles tournants" in France. The eight-day balance movement is located in the top of the vase-shaped clock. The clock has one dial on which the hours are displayed. The base of the clock consists of a square base with ornaments of playing children. At the narrower middle part of the cup or vase, the snake that indicates the time at the top starts with its tongue. On the left and right of the vase there are "handles" with the image of Faun. Cercle tournants first appeared in France during the last half of the 18th century, at the height of the Rococo. After this, they appeared again during the reign of Napoleon III. Their decorative qualities proved immensely attractive to the wealthy patrons of France. The value of a cercle tournant depends on rarity, size, craftsmanship and materials, aspects in which this particular clock excels.