French Annular Dial Mantel Clock

This important Napoleon III annular dial mantel clock is distinguished by its pendulum movement–a feature rarely seen in annular dial clocks. The pendulum movement is encased within the exceptional ormolu column crafted by Maison Marnyhac of Paris, one of the most renowned bronze firms of the 19th century. Annular clocks, referred to as cercles tournants in France, are clocks with ring-shaped dials that revolve around a fixed pointer. This clock's strike and Brocot escapement is contained within the royal blue enamel urn. It features two dials, or chapter rings, one denoting the hour, the other denoting the minutes.

Annular dial clocks first appeared in France during the last half of the 18th century, at the height of Rococo fashion, and reappeared during the reign of Napoleon III. Their decorative quality and opulence proved to be enormously appealing to France's wealthy patrons, when fashion mirrored the tastes of French courtly society. The value of an annular clock depends on rarity, size, craftsmanship and materials, aspects in which this particular clock excels.

Circa 1870

23” high