Delicate Mantel Clock in Gilded Bronze with Cupid. France, XIX Century

Romantic mantel clock in striking condition and perfect working order. In spite of its great appearance, this is quite a great antique more than one hundred years old. The clock is made of gilt bronze and chimes the hours and the halves, having been manufactured in France in the 19th century. It boasts quite a remarkable design, fresh and decorative, that combines sober neoclassic elements with a graceful and charming romantic style. On the other hand, the movement has been cleaned and adjusted so now the clock works perfectly. The 8 days Paris movement bears two engraved marks: one of them with the inscription inscripción JAPY FRÉRES AN NEES, and the other reading RODIER A PARIS. The first mark reveals that this clock was made by one of the most prestigious clockmakers in France: Japy Fréres. The company was founded in 1771 by Georges Frederic Japy, considered a pioneer of the modern industry. In the beginning Japy did not only made mantel clocks but also other articles such as chains, locks, toys and even typewriters. But soon after, the factory located in Beaucourt specialized in clocks and movement parts. In 1801 the company was already employing 300 workers, and in 1812 Japys descendants gave it its definite name: Japy Fréres en Cie. En la maquinaria podemos ver dos sellos grabados en el metal: uno con la inscripción JAPY FRÉRES AN NEES, y el otro con las palabras RODIER A PARIS. La primera inscripción revela que este reloj es obra de una de las marcas de relojería más prestigiosas de Francia: Japy Freres, fundada en 1771 por Georges Frederic Japy, considerado uno de los pioneros de la industria moderna. Al principio Japy no solo realizaba relojes, sino que también comercializaba otros artículos como cadenas, candados, juguetes e incluso máquinas de escribir. Pero en poco tiempo, la fábrica situada en Beaucourt se especializó en relojes y piezas para maquinarias. En el año 1801 la empresa ya contaba con 300 empleados, y en 1812 los descendientes de Japy le otorgaron su nombre definitivo: Japy Fréres et Cie. The clocks box is shaped like a thick Roman column with vertical grooves and broken at the top. The column is adorned with delicate flowery garlands that start in the central face. Sitting on top of the column we can see a charming Cupid, full of grace and movement. Over the clocks face (with white background and black Roman numbers) there is a decorative detail shaped like a ribbon, from which the garland emerge. The box sits on a base decorated with a two moldings, one carved like a stalk and the other with a classic fringe. The clock stands on three circular legs. With a high decorative power, this bronze clock will shine in the most important place of a classy living room. Measurements: Width: 7 in/18 cm. Height: 14 in/36 cm.