An attractive French Directoire ormolu and bronze sculptural mantel clock, the case by Galle

11-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Galle Rue Vivienne à Paris for the bronzier and Thomas Hr for the horloger, blued Breguet hands, flat bottomed countwheel bell striking anchor movement with silk suspended pendulum, finely cast and chiseled ormolu and bronze case surmounted by a seated classical lady sending a letter with a dove, behind her a gueridon with writing necessaries, stepped oval base with applied mounts of Cupids and flambeaux with arrows all symbolizing love, a high relief below with a sheperd receiving a letter, scrolls at both ends, acanthus moulded plinth raised on engraved toupee feet

dial in good condition with minute chips at the winding holes (almost not visible), hands fixed awkwardly (needs to be improved), movement able to function but needs to be cleaned, bell support bent, pendulum replaced, case of very good quality in original dirty condition, one leg of the tripod table broken, one tassel of the cushion of the chair lacking, pen in the lady's hand broken, feet a little loose but all there, quality clock in original condition, together with a winder and 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."

For a note on Claude Galle see lot 243.