Napoleon III mantel clock "Euterpe" – Japy Frères – patinated spelter – 19th century

Large and elegant French mantel clock from the second half of the 19th century, likely depicting Euterpe, the Muse of Music in Greek mythology.

The sculpture features a young woman draped in antique style, holding a sheet music book and a double flute of the "aulos" type, an emblematic attribute of Euterpe. Beside her are also a rolled parchment and a laurel wreath, classic symbols of the Arts, inspiration, and artistic recognition.

The ensemble rests on a substantial black base with engraved Napoleon III style decoration, housing an elegant black dial with gilded Roman numerals, framed by a finely worked gilded bezel.

The mechanism is a French movement signed Japy Frères, an emblematic French watchmaking manufacturer of the 19th century, with the "Médaille d’Honneur" medallion hidden on the mechanism, behind the bell (Visible in the photos). This medal of honor was awarded in 1855, which places the manufacture of this mechanism between 1855 and 1870. Also present is a NICHELANI & LALIGANT PARIS 1614 stamp on the back of the clock.

The mechanism is functional (tested over 48 hours):

• hourly chime,
• half-hourly chime (1 strike),
• the movement runs correctly.

However, as with any antique clock (This old lady is about 150 years old), if you do not wish to use it as a decorative item but rather as a functioning winding clock, an overhaul by a watchmaker will be necessary to ensure reliable and lasting operation, as the mechanism has not been tested for a longer period.

The pendulum and winding key are supplied with the clock. The pendulum will be disassembled for transport; basic knowledge of clockmaking is necessary to install it and perform the initial balance adjustments, or indicate this with your order and I will prepare a short explanatory video for you.

The sculpture is made of spelter with a bronze-imitation patination, a material widely used in French decorative arts of the late 19th century. The quality of the modeling is particularly interesting, with many details still well preserved, especially the musical attributes, which are often missing on this type of antique piece.

Good overall condition with signs of age consistent with its years:

• slight patina wear,
• small marks and micro-scratches from use,
• some old traces on the base and dial.
• Some small chips on the marble base.

Dimensions:

• Width: 33 cm
• Depth: 16 cm
• Height: 47 cm
• Weight: approximately 14 kg

Very beautiful decorative presence, ideal for a classic, eclectic interior, a cabinet of curiosities, or Haussmannian-style decor.