Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and White Marble Mantel Clock

c. 1860, France

A fine French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and White Marble Globe Clock with Putti. An 8-day bell strike lever movement, held within the deep blue enamelled bronze orb as an iconic representation of the sky with a myriad of applied bronze stars.

The face of the clock depicts roman numerals in gilt bronze with the hands shaped as arrows. One gilt Putti is sitting atop the orb, holding up the eternal flame which represents the light that love brings into our lives. The second Putti carries a sharp golden point arrow which represents uncontrollable desire when wounded by his golden arrow.

The white marble base is decorated with fine gilt bronze threading and gilt bronze mounts of acanthus leaves and is set upon four (4) toupee feet.