A most beautiful French ornolu mantel clock by Leroy à ParisA lovely French late Empire/early Charles X mantel clock with an ormolu case, c. 1825. The ormolu brass case depicts a celebration of Science and Learning. It is dominated by a rectangular superstructure containing the movement, flanked by an engine-turned column with a celestial globe on top on the left and an elegant lady reading a book on the right. The superstructure is surmounted by a bookcase and a bust of Socrates, a laurel wreath, a few books, and some scientific instruments. The stepped base has a fine bas-relief depicting two active putti surrounded by many scientific instruments with a globe on a base in the middle. The whole rests on four block feet, the front two embellished by bas-reliefs depicting an anchor with a rope and leaf motifs.The silvered dial is signed by the maker LEROY A PARIS and is divided into Roman hour, five-minute and minute divisions. The time is indicated by a fine pair of period blue...