An Empire Gilt And Patinated Bronze Mantle Clock. Mesnil In Paris.

An Empire gilt and patinated bronze mantle clock with a semi-circular top. Plinth with ribboned crown appliques on the sides and Apollo mask applique on the front. Lateral caduceus. In the center lyre with scrolls, the top crowned with laurel palms with a central rosette. Enameled dial signed: "Mesnil à Paris". Red marble base on 4 feet.
Empire period, circa 1805-1810.
A similar clock was delivered by Mesnil between 1805 and 1808 to Joachim and Caroline Murat for the bailiffs' lounge of the Elysée Palace (national furniture, inventory number: GML-5912-000).
Very good condition (chip on the enamel of the right winder, small chips on the marble). Restored by professional watchmaker. 
Height: 37 cm X Width: 18.5 cm X Depth: 12 cm

The mention “Mesnil” obviously corresponds to the signature of one of the members of the Dugrandmesnil or Dumesnil family, a dynasty of Parisian watchmakers who seem to have significantly shortened their surname during the Revolution to avoid any misunderstanding regarding the revolutionary committees. On many dials, the name of Mesnil is associated with that of the craftsman Ravrio with whom he regularly collaborated under the Empire. From this time, some of his clocks were mentioned in certain major collections.