An Empire ormolu and malachite mantel clock 'La Lectura' French, 19th Century

8.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Mugnier Hr DE EMPEREUR ET ROI, pierced gilt hands, rack bell striking Japy Frès & Cie movement with Brocot escapement, finely cast and chiseled ormolu and bronze case shaped as a draped table with a seated classical lady reading a book, rectangular malachite base raised on toupee feet, movement and malachite mid 19th century 

dial in good condition, hands a little dirty and somewhat bend, movement able to function but a little dirty and might benefit from a cleaning, steel suspension of the pendulum broken, ormolu case of very good quality made in the early 19th Century, a little dirty but the gilding appears to be in good condition and the clock should clean up nicely, malachite in good condition, this clock was probably 'modernised' around the mid 19th Century; the movement and dial were replaced and the green marble base was fitted with a thin sheet of malachite, 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."