Antique French Empire/ Charles X ormolu library clock of two children reading before a book case. Exquisite version of this most popular of French Empire clocks. The quality of the casting and finishing of this clock is of the highest quality. The fire gilded ormolu is in excellent condition and entirely original. Set upon an oval base with applied ormolu floral swags and set upon four finely decorated toupee feet. Set upon the top of the oval base sit two curly headed children in classical dress and on elaborate stools. Both have books in their hands. Behind them is a fine bookcase filled with books within which is set the dial and movement of the clock. To the top or pediment of the clock case are set two wreaths on either side of an open book. The gilt dial with black Roman hour numerals and blued steel Breguet style moon hands is set within a fine florally decorated ormolu bezel. At each spandrel corner is set an ormolu rosette. The original 8 day, bell striking movement with silk suspended pendulum is numbered. The case is stamped with a T. This model is taller than the more common arch topped version of this style of library clock and consequently far more elegant. This one is a real beauty. France circa 1818. 18 inches high by10 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep ( 45 cm by 25 cm by 16.25 cm).