A LOUIS XV STYLE ORMOLU AND BLANC DE CHINE PORCELAIN MANTEL CLOCK

A LOUIS XV STYLE ORMOLU AND 'BLANC DE CHINE' PORCELAIN MANTEL CLOCKTHE MOVEMENT BY VINCENTI ET CIE, PARIS, LATE 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance, the backplate stamped with VINCENTI & CIE, MEDAILLE D'ARGENT, 1855 medallion beneath serial number 2329, the 3 inch circular convex white enamel dial with vertical Arabic hour numerals and scroll-pierced gilt brass hands set behind a hinged convex bevel-glazed moulded cast brass bezel, the case with white ceramic recumbent figure in stylised oriental dress attended by a boy with a slice of melon, set on a gilt brass oval stand cast and chased with open foliate rococo scrollwork, the rear issuing a naturalistically cast shrub applied with porcelain blooms suspending the clock movement within a white ceramic melon above the figure and surmounted by a Ho-Ho bird.38.5cm (15ins) high, 30.5cm (12ins) wide, 21.5cm (8.5ins) deep.Condition Report: Movement appears complete and all-original. Both trains are currently fully wound; the strike train is operational however the going train is currently not running most likely due to 'gumming-up' (the escapement appears undamaged and the balance will pivot). Movement therefore most likely only requires a gentle clean/service. The dial has very slight hairline cracks issuing from a small chip the right-hand winding hole and some blemishes to the left of the '10' numeral; the dial otherwise appears to be in good original condition but has overall heavy grime deposits/discolouration.The porcelain 'melon' hosing the movement has a small chip to the rear adjacent to the bezel together with some light hairline stress cracks and one or two firing shrinkage cracks. The figure group also has firing shrinkage cracks. The right hand of the larger figure has been restored, his left hand has restoration to the forefinger and the smaller figure also has restoration to his hands. The slice of melon has a small chip to one end, and a fruit to the base (behind the larger figure) is missing its stalk/bud. The Ho-Ho bird has lost his feet and has been re-attached to the gilt frame with glue. There is one flower missing; of the 19 that are present four have a noticeable loss of either a petal or most of a petal, damage is otherwise limited to some tiny edge chipping to around half of the blooms. The gilt metal work is in good original condition with no obvious losses or repairs.Clock does not have a winding key present. Condition Report Disclaimer