Fine and Early Ormolu and Porcelain Clock ~ Cherubs ~ French - Circa 1840 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A fine and early clock featuring the most charming cherubs, modelled in fire gilded bronze (bronze doré). To the base are a pair of exquisitely painted porcelain panels also featuring cherubs. The clock was retailed by the famous Howell James and Company of Regent Street London.

The gilding is in lovely original condition with a colour and finish that can only be achieved with mercury gilding. The bronze work is heavy but beautifully light in design with a fine crispness. The bronze is frequently marked J. D, The serial number of the clock is on the porcelain, case and pendulum.

The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with convex glass and gilded hobnail bezel. It is signed for Howell et Cie Paris.

The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. It is a silk suspension movement with a later modification to steel spring suspension but retaining the original pendulum. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with just some slight wear to the high spots. The dial is also in good condition, just a slight chip to the edge near the three o'clock.

Howell et Cie mark on the movement backplate. The dial is also signed for the company.

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

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).