A very fine French Empire clock of a recumbant classical lady reading a book in original fire/mercury gilt ormolu. The quality of the chasing and gilding is of the very highest. Fine applied ormolu mounts to the day bed of laurel leaves and of lion's heads to the sides. Rumpled cushion with tassles. Superb stiff leaf moulding to the rectangular base. Set upon four well turned and decorated toupee feet. 8 day bell striking movement regulated by a silk suspended pendulum. Fine white enamel dial with cast ormolu hands. Similar clock in Niehuser's French Bronze clocks pp 217. Circa 1805. H 14" x W 15" x D 6" ( 35 cms by 37.5 cms by 15 cms).