Antique French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

The candlesticks measure approx.:
HEIGHT: 80 CM, 31.5 INCHES
WIDTH: 18 CM, 7.1 INCHES
DEPTH: 18 CM, 7.1 INCHES
DEPTH: 20 CM, 7.9 INCHES

Antique French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock. Depicting two cupids with doves. The clock and candlesticks are set with beautiful green jade malachite. The candlesticks have the option of using ten candles. The clock is equipped with a separate date display, second hand dial and moon phase dial. In every respect an exquisite work of craftsmanship, this magnificent work of art is a complex and wonderful timepiece. The case and figures are cast by the important and highly regarded bronzier Henri Picard, active in Paris from about 1839 to 1884. His firm supplied extensive furniture to the Emperor Napoleon III and an important pair of candelabra are preserved in the collection of the Louvre. His work is always characterised by the finest chasing and gilding. Original movement with a white enamel dial signed Bourdin has Paris, Roman and Arabic numerals, gilt bronze hands, bell every half hour. The clock runs for eight days when fully wound. Key and pendulum included. AE Bourdin is listed on the Rue de la Paix between 1840-60, other addresses are also listed for him. Bourdin is mentioned as being a very high quality maker who also made clocks of very good or good quality. He exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris and won a bronze medal in 1844, a silver medal in 1855 and a bronze medal in 1867.