Antique French Gilt Bronze Figural Clock Henry Marc Paris C1850 Silk Suspension

Antique French Gilt Bronze Figural Clock Henry Marc Paris c1850 Silk Suspension Item Specifics • Brand: Henry Marc (Hry Marc à Paris) • Type: Mantel Clock • Movement: Mechanical (8-Day, Silk Suspension) • Features: 8-Day, Bell Striking, Silk Suspension, Figural • Material: Solid Bronze / Gilt Bronze / Marble / Alabaster Insets • Era / Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1900 / Mid-19th Century (c.1850) • Origin: France • Display Type: Analogue • Style: French / Rococo / Louis XV Item Description Magnificent Antique French Solid Bronze Figural Mantel Clock By Henry Marc à Paris — Circa 1850 Up for auction/sale is an exceptional mid-19th-century French mechanical timepiece. This museum-quality clock is signed by the internationally renowned Parisian horologist Henry Marc, a maker celebrated for combining mechanical precision with luxurious decorative art. The clock is crowned by a finely cast solid bronze sculpture of a classical French nobleman/military commander standing triumphantly amidst a panoply of arms (shields, spears, and a helmet). The architectural case features beautiful scrolling Rococo linework, crisp casting, and authentic white stone/alabaster side panels that contrast beautifully with the rich golden bronze tones. Key Mechanical Features: • Early Silk Suspension: Features the highly coveted, early 19th-century style silk suspension thread pendulum system, a direct indicator of high-end mid-century French watchmaking. • 8-Day Movement: Driven by a premium mechanical 8-day twin-train French movement. • Bell Striking: Striking movement that counts the hours on a single internal bell and chimes once on the half-hour. • Signed Dial: The pristine white enamel dial face is cleanly marked with black Roman numerals, original blued steel hands, and bears the clear signature: "Hry Marc / A Paris". Dimensions: • Height: 36 cm (approx. 14.2 inches) • Width: 28 cm (approx. 11.0 inches) • Depth: 9 cm (approx. 3.5 inches) Condition Report: Presented in original antique condition with an uncleaned case, preserving its deep historical patina and character. The movement has been fully operational and serviced, meaning it is running smoothly and keeping time as it should. The enamel dial is clear and free of significant hairline fractures. Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description. Shipping & Safety: Due to the value, weight, and extreme delicacy of the silk suspension mechanism, this clock will be packed using professional-grade cushioning materials and double-boxed. It will ship fully insured with a tracking number provided immediately upon dispatch.