Superb Early Bronze and Sienna Marble Clock - Silk Suspension Movement.

~ French - Circa 1840 ~

~~ Excellent condition ~~ 

HERCULES AND THE LION OF NEMEA

This an early French clock of very fine quality depicting Hercules, one of the oldest and most illustrious heroes in Greek mythology. It is Bronze and Sienna marble and is of huge, architectural proportions.

The modelling of the sculpture is beautifully fine, full of strength and movement with sharply defined details. Have a look at the detail in the pictures below. The simple, elegant stepped base with bronze acanthus, contrasts with the warm Sienna marble.  

Hercules (in Greek, Heracles) was the son of Jupiter and Alemena. As Juno was always hostile to the offspring of her husband by mortal mothers, she declared war against Hercules from his birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he lay in his cradle, but the infant strangled them with his own hands!  He was
however, by the arts of Juno rendered subject to his cousin Eurystheus and compelled to perform all his commands. Eurystheus set him a succession of desperate adventures, which are
called the twelve "Labours of Hercules." The first was the fight
with the Nemean lion, which is depicted here.

The valley of Nemea was infested by a
terrible lion. Eurystheus ordered Hercules to bring him the skin
of this monster. After using in vain his club and arrows against
the lion, Hercules strangled the animal with his bare hands. He
returned carrying the dead lion on his shoulders.

Movement is of excellent quality and has a specially designed extended crutch and suspension bracket to bring the pendulum to the middle of the case. This is because the sienna marble base is one piece with a hole carved in the middle. The dial is bronze, sculptured to look like part of the rock that it is inset. The numerals are gilt bronze and the clock has its original convex glass bezel with a bayonet fitting to the clock. The back has a similar bayonet cover which is missing, just the ring remains (see photo of the back below). There is a small repair to the end of the minute hand. The movement runs for 8 days and strikes on a bell. It is in excellent, clean and running condition having been fully cleaned and serviced by our clockmaker. Click the movie below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent with a good original patina to the bronze. The lower sienna marble base has a repair to the right-hand rear corner and some chipping to the lower edge at the front. The repair is strong and not noticeable.

Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

A stunning early clock for the collector or a centrepiece for a grand room!

Dimensions of clock: Height 24 1/2", Width 18", Depth 11".
    

Click the movie player below to hear the clock run and strike!

 mark on the movement back plate

International Shipping is no problem - fully insured

UK delivery by courier will be �100 to most destinations - email your postcode for a quote.

International shipping worldwide will be specialist courier due to the weight and value of the clock. It will be approx �350 to USA or Europe. Please email your zip code / address for a quote.