An attractive French Empire ormolu sculptural mantel clock, designed by J.A. Reiche circa 1820

9-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Verdière Rue De Thionville No.15 à Paris, gilt Breguet hands, flat bottomed countwheel striking anchor movement, ormolu moulded break arch case with adorned with drape with a lion mask and swans, a seated lady holding her playful baby while listening to the evening prayer of her other child next to a crib, break front base with applied foliate and medaillion mounts, the whole raised on tapered feet

dial with some scratches and some small rim chips to the left winding hole, some larger to the right winding hole, bezel for the movement to the front a little wide and slightly over the mounts, behind the same, movement able to function but needs to be cleaned, click-spring of the winding barrel not secure (be careful!), unidentified holes in front and backplate possibly for a removed arbour for a musical mechanism, pendulum suspension now with a spring, case dirty with minor rubbing to the gilding, should clean up nicely, unidentified holes to the herms to the sides possibly for lacking mounts, together with a pendulum
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The scene depicted on this clock supposedly commemorates the birth of the Duke of Bordeaux in 1820. The duchess holding her new born son while her daughter Louise kneels beside her. Because his father had been the victim of a political murder, the birth of the son became the story of the time. He was called "L'enfant du miracle" (wonder child) and his fate touched the nation. The model was made after a design by the famous bronzier J.A. Reiche. Lit. Niehüser, Die französische Bronzeuhr, pp. 165-166. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française du Moyen Age au XXe siècle, pp 429.