A good French Empire or Charles X mantel clock in original fire gilt ormolu signed "Dubois Legros au Mans". The subject is that of astronomy and learning. The clock housing is in the form of library shelves stacked with books and the top of the clock a table with a wreath, set square, more volumes of books , dividers, a ruler and a table globe with the frame marked with the signs of the zodiac. To the left of the clock is a fine stand with "sextant"and telescope. To the right a woman in Empire dress stands holding a book. Her hair is up and there is a star in her hair. To the base of the clock is a fine freize in high relief which shows four youths looking at the stars and planets using the tools that mount the clock. The clock stands upon a rectangular base with fine bracket feet. The ormolu dial with blued steel hands is signed Dubois Legros au Mans and has blued steel Breguet style hands. The movement is of 8 day duration with silk suspension movement and strikes the hours and halves on a cast bell. French circa 1815-1820. The ormolu in mint condition, as yet uncleaned. 19 inches high by 12.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep ( 47.5 cms by 31.25 cms by 13.25 cms).