263: AN EXCEPTIONAL LEROY & FILS EGYPTIAN REVIVAL CLOCK SET

An outstanding three-piece French 'Retour d'Egypte' bronze dore garniture clock set displaying sixteen orange-ground hand painted porcelains potraying polychrome Egyptian figures and art motifs, each porcelain signed Desfontaines. The ormolu clock surmounted by an engraved flattened classical urn atop a stylized pyramidal case flanked by opposing sphinx figures centered by the hand painted porcelain dial with enamel highlights and the maker's mark of LEROY & FILS 13-15 PALAIS ROYAL PARIS 211 REGENT STREET LONDON. The clock case raised on a concave pedestal set with hand painted porcelains and the rectangular platform base further raised on scrolling bronze feet fronted with figural Egyptian animal masks. The associated garniture comprising female figures in Egyptian attire inset with additional Desfontaines porcelains atop matching bases, surmounted by scrolling candelabra arms. The clock measures 18.5 x 11 x 6 inches and the two candelabra measure 21 x 9.5 x 6 inches each. The brass time and strike spring driven movement bears the signature LEROY & FILS, No. 7794 A. Paris.
A decorator associated with LeRoy & Fils identified as M. Desfontaines is listed in the catalog titled "Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations" held in London in 1851. Provenance: The Joseph Candioto Trust. We ship in-house for all items with the exception of very large and or very fragile pieces and some international shipments.
There are unexplained holes drilled in candelabra and some holes with later screws installed which suggest that perhaps the candelabra were wired for electricity at one time. Beyond these, the condition of all three pieces is very good, noting minor unevenness of the patina. There are no replacements, repairs, damaged pieces or instances of wear. The cosmetic condition and the originality are very good and free from issues. The clock movement did wind and run at time of inspection, keeping time for several days. We do not guarantee the mechanical condition of timepieces.
$3,000 - $5,000