Antique French ormolu mantel clock of large proportions and outstanding quality, almost certainly by the celebrated company Thomire et Cie. Superb original fire/mercury gilded case in fine condition, casting and chasing of first quality as one would expect from Thomire. The rectangular base stands on four bracket feet decorated with flowers and foliage and rises to a moulding of acanthus leaves, rising again to a further moulding of stiff leaf decoration. On this the rectangular base is decorated with an oval in high relief of Homer being led by a youth ( a well known and iconic image) which is flanked by trophies of war in high relief. Upon this is a profusely decorated dome shaped support with scrolls to the side all decorated with honeysuckle and forget-me-not flowers. Above this is a half moon shaped support, that holds the movement and dial, which is decorated with stars within wreaths and surrounded by forget-me-not flowers. On a platform on each side of the dial and movement stand two superb winged ormolu figures, one on each side. The male figures are classically dressed in short tunics, one holding a sword in its sheath and the other holding honeysuckle flowers and laurel leaves. This is all surmounted by a wreathed bust of Homer the classical phil;osopher, held aloft on a Thyrus held by the two very finely cast winged figures. Fine dial in gilt bronze with blued steel hands of breguet moon form. Movement of 8 day duration bell striking the hours and halves and having remote ormolu pendulum on knife edge suspension. The pendulum is powered remotely by a crutch lever attached to the pallets in the clock movement below. Case and movement numbered 448 in several places and dated 1824 within the movement. French, 1824. Height 27 inches by 11 inches wide by 5 inches deep ( 67.5 cms by 27.5 cms by 12.5 cms). SeeSpanish Royal Collection catalogue , " Catalogo de Reloges del Patrimonio Nacional."pp300 for an identical model.