Spectacular antique Viennese silver gilt and jewelled clock modelled as a fire surround, still in original leather case. A wonderful exuberant clock from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The solid silver gilt clock of elaborate design, resting on four toupee feet, surmounted with lions and an eagle, the lapis lazuli base surmounted with two figures. The case festooned with rubies, emeralds and sapphires and with various types and sizes of pearls including baroque, also has elaborate details hand painted in enamel. The clock dial and movement sit in a drum shape, with gems decorating the bezel, and a garland below the movement case elaborately decorated with gems. The backs of the lions, and their eyes are decorated with red jewells. The figure of the woman in helmet, holding a shield and spear, and the figure of the lady holding a wreath studded with pearls, are both covered in red and blue gems, and the occasional white jewell. The pillars of the fireplace, are elaborately painted with polychrome enamel, depicting swirling flowers and ribbons. The eagle surmounting the entire clock has his wings decorated with red jewells, whilst even his tail feathers have brown set gems, and his neck feathers are shown as green gems. The base is lapis lazuli. The movement is an extremely early French, verge fusee movement signed on the backplate Le Grand and Dieppe, and numbered 236. Tardy mentions two Le Grand's that worked in Dieppe, one Michel-Claude between 1740/56 and another in 1783. This incredibly fine movement would have been chosen specifically for this clock. The dial is silver gilt, enamel and with roman numerals, and has blued steel hands. This extraordinary timepiece also still retains its original leather case. Vienna, late 19th century. Without case 22.2cm High, 21cm Long by 4.5cm deep. With case, 23.5cm High, 23cm long by 8.5cm deep