An Empire ormolu, patinated bronze and verde antico marble mantel clock attributed to Claude Galle, Paris, circa 1810

5-inch dial with enamel rotating chapter ring and plain gilt centre, the movement with silk suspension and outside count wheel striking on a bell, the case with broken-arch top and gilt mounts, a finely cast and chased classical female figure standing to the front with the young Cupid and holding aloft a drape to partially obscure the dial, the marble plinth with gilt arrow mount and scroll feet 

Dial in good condition. Movement is complete, clean and running at time of cataloguing. Case in good clean condition and appears to retain the original gilding and rich patination, marble replaced. With pendulum and winder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Claude Galle (1759-1815) was one of the most important bronziers of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods. He became a maitre-fondeur in 1786 and collaborated with other great bronziers of the period, including Pierre-Philippe Thomire, supplying the finest bronzes for important collections throughout Europe.

This clock is a particularly fine and rare model, described by Tardy as 'Friendship hiding Time', and is probably based on an example exhibited by Galle at the Paris Exhibition in 1806. This large version is so far unique in including Cupid in the composition. A very similar clock signed Galle but without Cupid was sold Christies, London, 10th July 2008, Lot 135. Another smaller example is illustrated in H Ottomeyer & P Proschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol 1, Munich 1986, Pg. 368.