Antique French Empire clock by Reiche ( Jean-Andre) of Astronomy signed by Bailly a Paris. This is a very famous model and one of the classics that were designed by Jean-Andre Reiche in the first decade of the 19th century. Often set on antique vert marble bases with tall toupee feet as in this case. Figure of a woman of learning on the left hand side of the clock reading a book and leaning on the clock dome which is set into a set of library shelves. On the other side of the clock is an astralabe set upon a reeded column with square base. A beautifully proportioned clock with fine original fire gilt or mercury gilt ormolu. The white enamel dial with blued steel hands surrounded by a fine ormolu bezel decorated with Amthemion. 8 day movement regulated by a steel suspended pendulum and striking the hours and halves on a bell. France circa 1810. Horloger to Napoleon, died in 1821 worked at the Rue de la Loi in 1806, Rue Menars in 1810, Rue Richelieu between 1810-15. See "French Bronze Clocks " bt Niehuser pp 92.