Antique French Empire clock of stunning quality of borne shape constructed of rouge marble, original fire gilt ormolu and patinated bronze. The dial of the clock is signed "L Ravrio" below 12 o'clock and "Mesnil Hr"above 6 o'clock Set upon ormolu bun feet to the rouge marble base rising to an ormolu plinth with applied ormolu mounts of a mask of Apollo within a circle and between floral mounts. The borne shaped clock housing in patinated bronze has an ormolu column to the front edge with an applied mount of a ribboned arrow pointing upwards and rising to ormolu laurel leaves following the dome of the case with a forget-me-not flower to the centre. Below the dial is a fine applied ormolu mount of a classical lyre with trailing acanthus leaves below, terminating once more with a forget-me-not flower. To each side of the case is applied a good ormolu mount of Hermes' Caduceus of winged snakes. There is a further mount of an ormolu laurel leaf below the caduceus. The white convex enamel dial with Roman hour numerals. The hands of the clock are elaborately cast and finished and are of an unusual form. The dial is signed below 12 " L. Ravrio" and above 6 o'clock " Mesnil Hr" as the clockmaker. The dial is surrounded by a fine ormolu bezel with beading and anthemion as decoration. The movement, of early form, is of 8 day duration, regulated by a silk suspended pendulum and striking the hours and halves on a bell by means of a countwheel. French circa 1805. Louis Ravrio was one of the foremost French bronziers of the first decades of the 19th century. His work can be found in countless museums and palaces from St. Petersburg to the Louvre in Paris. He generally worked in conjunction with the clockmaker Mesnil 14 inches high by 7.5 inches wide and 5 inches deep ( 35 cms by 18.75 cms by 12.5 cms). A really exceptionally beautifully designed and crafted clock in very fine original condition .