Fine and rare French Empire ormolu clock of Cupid as Magician, uncovering flaming hearts with the 3 cup trick.
The shaped base with four tall ormolu feet to front and back but with winged lion paw feet to each side.To the front of the base a tasselled hanging has enscribed `Dit Le Passe et L`Avenir.
Four pillars hold the platform on which the Magician stands. The front pillars have tasselled drapes and a mount of a quiver of arrows and a flaming torch.
To each side of the clock are set classical triform flaming braziers on paw feet.
The winged Cupid figure stands behind a covered table with three cups, one he has lifted to reveal two flaming hearts. Is this to represent a game of chance perhaps? To his right is an open box with magician paraphenalia inside, to his left what appear to be Indian Clubs are covered with a cloth.
The convex white enamel dial is inscribed `LeClerc a Bruxelles`, with Roman numerals and Arabic quarters. The hands are of blued steel and are of the Breguet moon form.
Surrounding the dial is a large 10 pointed star in ormolu and within each point is a flower.
The silk suspension bell striking movement sounding the hours and halves by means of a countwheel.
A very unusual and rare clock.
France 1810-15 retailed in Belgium.
18 inches high by 12 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep ( 45 cm by 30 cm by 11.25 cm).
Stock Number: 5328
Price: £7,250
Availability: In Stock
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