A large and attractive French Louis XIV-style rosewood gilt bronze mounted mantel clock, Planchon, last quarter 19th century

23.5-cm thirteen-piece enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Planchon A Paris, foliate pierced engraved gilt hands, similar signed rack gong striking movement with Brocot escapement, rosewood case with arched top surmounted by gilt bronze pierced broken pediment with a shell ornament and scrolls, front with gilt bronze lined bezel and glazed panel, a shell mount below, glazed sides with foliate pierced frets, canted corners ending in scroll feet, on a shaped plinth raised on gadrooned feet, bronzework of good quality

Mathieu Planchon son of a clockmaker was also taught the trade by Robert Houdin and Philippe. He became master clockmaker in 1870. Initially he became specialized in the neo Gothic style under the influence of Violet le Duc. Later he would develop a style which was named after him 'style Planchon' which incorporates features of the Louis XIV, XV and XVI styles in an unique way.  Lit. Tardy, Dict. Des Horlogers Francais, pp.525