A fine and large Charles X period ormolu mantel clock signed LeRoy & Fils. Of important size and very fine quality. The bronzes are outstanding and the original fire or mercury gilded ormolu in excellent condition. This clock has a very highly engineered case using a complicated method of construction worthy of the best work from these fine makers. The clock is free standing in that the void at the rear of the truncated column has been sealed with a matching plate as has the figure of Odysseus so that the clock can be placed in a central position as well as against a wall. This treatment also improves their look when placed in front of a mirror. Set on fine bracket feet with a heavy moulding of acanthus surrounding the rectangular base. The figures striding across a naturalistic landscape. The 8 day silk suspension movement striking the hours and halves by means of countwheel is numbered "499" and marked "P / N: 609/ LEROY & FILS / HGERS DU ROI / A PARIS,". The gilt dial surrounded by a fine laurel leaf bezel is signed "LeRoy & Fils / Paris,".` The scene depicted shows the Greek hero Odysseus carrying the ailing Philoctetes either to or from exile on the island of Lemnos. As told by the playwright Sophocles, the dying Heracles bequeathed his bow and arrows to the Thessalian archer Philoctetes. The latter suffered a poisonous snake bite at the onset of the Trojan War that became highly noxious. Unable to endure the stink of Philoctetes' wound, his comrades had Odysseus leave him on Lemnos. Ten years later a prophecy foretold that Philoctetes, using the weapons left him by Heracles, would be instrumental in defeating Troy. The war-weary Greeks sent Odysseus and Neoptolemus to the rescue, with Philoctetes being healed and ultimately slaying the Trojan prince Paris. 21inches high by 18 inches wide by 7.75 inches deep (52.5 cm by 45 cm by 19.375 cm). France circa 1820.