A rare and fine French Louis Philippe gilt and polychrome bronze sculptural mantel clock circa 1840

8.5-cm dial with gilt relief flowers, Roman numerals and trefoil hands, countwheel bell striking anchor movement, the finely cast en chiselled gilt bronze case surmounted by a gilt and green tree with a bird, flanked by an elegant Chinese figure holding a spade, his clothes adourned with polychrome relief flowers, a plough and bush on the other side, the rockwork ground with blue flowers, the whole on a shaped base lined with bells, fine foliate pierced blind frets in between flowers adorned with polychrome accents, the geometrical plinth raised on scroll feet, pendulum and bell lacking

dial in good condition, minute hand replaced, movement recently cleaned and in working order, three unidentified holes in the pillars of the movement, no explanation for it, hind bezel replaced, case in original dirty condition, part of the polychrome accents rubbed, gilding in good condition, pendulum and bell lacking, no accessories
"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."

A similar clock was sold in these rooms, December 2004 lot 188.