A Napoleon III Style Mantel Clock

Modeled in the Napoleon III style with a seated putto holding a paper backed by a pedestal clock case with an enameled Roman and Arabic dial, with openworked and engraved gilt hands signed 'Raingo Fres/ A Paris' surmounted by books. The figure of a putto is in patinated bronze, unlike the rest of the elements that adorn the clock in gilded bronze. The malachite base is decorated with floral garlands tied with knots, inspired by the Louis XVI style. The clock is finished with golden spinning top feet hidden under the oval plinth. RAINGO FRÈRES (FRENCH, FOUNDED IN 1823) The origins of Raingo Frères date back to Zacharie Joseph Raingo (1775 – 1847), watchmaker, born in Belgium in 1775. Zacharie Joseph Raingo specialized in the creation of astronomical clocks. One such creation, a planetary pendulum clock made in 1824, was purchased by King George IV of England and now hangs in Windsor Castle. Zacharie Joseph Raingo has four sons, Adolphe, Charles, Denis and Dorsant and together they founded Raingo Frères in 1823. The company initially specialized in the production of Empire and Restoration style clocks, the manufacture of mantel clocks, clocks table and wall clocks. By the middle of the 19th century, Raingo Frères had extended the range of its production to other bronzes and furniture. In the 1860s, the company supplied several clocks and bronzes to Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugénie, which are now part of the collection of the Louvre Museum. Such orders have strengthened the reputation of Raingo Frères, which has become internationally recognized for the very fine quality of its bronzes and gilding. As the company's reputation grew, they collaborated with other famous manufacturers of the time, including Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Auguste Moreau and François Linke. The company exhibited at the most important exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century, winning a gold medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris. The clock is in excellent and perfect working condition. In addition, it has been cleaned and maintained by a professional watchmaker specializing in museum maintenance. The eight-day movement. It rings every half hour and hour on its bell. The clock is delivered complete with its pendulum, its key and its bell.