A fine, large and important French Empire clock of Apollo playing his lyre in patinated bronze, ormolu and antique vert marble. The dial is signed for the important maker Lepine and carries the motif above 6 o'clock "Hr. de l' imperatrice" ( clockmaker to the Empress). The bronzework is also signed in two places by the famous firm of Rabiat. The bezel is also marked as is the marble. The superb figure of Apollo, cast virtually in one piece stands to the side of the clock, playing his lyre and leaning upon the clockhousing. The clock stands upon four winged paw feet. The predominantly patinated bronze case is covered with applied ormolu mounts, including flambeaus to the base of the clockhousing, winged cupids heads to the upper corners, butterflies and amthemion. The convex dial is well signed and the time is told by blued steel Breguet style moon hands. The movement is of 8 day duration, bell striking the hours and halves by means of a countwheel and regulated by a silk suspended pendulum. The clock is in perfect condition with the fire or mercury gilt ormolu entirely original, there are no damages or replacements. Old repairs around the winding holes of the dial and a hairline crack, all of which can be improved or restored if required. France circa 1818. 25 inches high by 16.5 inches wide and 8 inches deep ( 62.5 cms by 41 cms by 20 cms.