Striking Antique Charlet & Cie Mantel Clock. Ormolu. France, Circa 1900

Striking Antique Charlet & Cie Mantel Clock. Ormolu. France, Circa 1900

Striking Charlet & Cie ormolu mantel clock, made in France circa 1900 and in good condition and working order. The clock comes with a set of two candelabra made of the same material, making up a really beautiful set. The three pieces have white marble pedestals with ormolu garland-shaped appliqués. The clock shows a spectacular sculptural design, with three ormolu kids holding a big blue sphere with golden stars.

The sphere symbolizes the night sky, with the dial at the front. It has Roman numerals and filigree metal hands. The sphere’s blue enameled finish shows some slight scratches which have been retouched by hand. To the bare eye, they are less visible than in the photographs. Inside the ball, the movement has the mark of Samuel Martí. It is a wind-up 7-day Paris movement, with the unusual feature of mounting an escapement wheel instead of a pendulum so it is not necessary to balance it.

Over the marble pedestal, the three figures which hold the sphere make up a graceful and dynamic group. By the feet of the kids we can see a plate with the name of the clockmakers, L. Charvet aîné Cie from Lyon, France. Flanking the clock, the two ormolu and white marble candelabra finish the set. Each one is composed of an ormolu sculpture of a kid who raises his hands to lift a group of branches, trimmed by four flower-shaped candleholders. It is a free and dynamic design, with a fine naturalist style which turns the whole set into a piece of great artistic value.

This striking Charlet & Cie ormolu mantel clock will astonish everybody when becoming part of the decoration of a stylish stance.

Dimensions: Clock: Foot: Side: 7.87 in / 20 cm. Height: 19.69 in / 50 cm. Candelabra: Foot: Side: 5.71 in / 14.5 cm. Height: 23.03 in / 58.5 cm.