An ormolu and verde antico marble mantel clock, after a model by Pierre-Philippe Thomire Incorporating some early 19th century elements

Chariot and Apollo figure loose. Chapter ring and one horse detached but present. Lacking some mounts of dial, one hand of dial detached but present. Hidden base of chariot with break to ormolu. Horses and Apollo figure possibly recast. Reigns with breaks, some bending and now partially detached. Marble base probably later and now with very small chips, restored break and restorations. Ormolu mounts of base later. Scattered areas of oxidation and surface dirt; not extensive.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An identical clock case on a red marble base, made by Thomire, is in the collection of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, illustrated, Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks, London, 1983, pp. 144-145. It was purchased in 1810 by George IV from a M. Boileau. Jagger further notes that another identical example was sold at the auction of the property of a French bronze-sculptor in 1829; the catalogue entry on that occasion remarked that Thomire's price for this model was 1,500 francs. Another virtually identical clock, also by Thomire, is illustrated, Tardy, French Clocks The World Over, Paris, 1981, 5^th ed., vol. II, p. 274. Thomire produced other large-scale clocks which incorporated chariots such as the chariot of the seasons, illustrated, Jean-Dominique Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, London 1997, p. 144, no. 108. Another clock depicting the chariot of Venus has a case made by François Timothée Matelin, illustrated, Augarde, op. cit., p. 144, no. 109. It was thought to have been part of the furnishings of Madame Mère at the hotel de Brienne, another was at the Tuileries in 1807, and a third at the Elysée Palace in 1809.