English Art Deco Clock Brand "empire" Early 20th Century

Art deco terminal clock from the beginning of the 20th century. Supported by four gilt brass feet, the box is made of wood with Chinese or Japanese painted decoration of a dragon on the top and genre scenes on the front and on both sides on a black background, the edges being enhanced with gilding. The curved and beveled glass door opens onto a brass dial with Roman numerals. The movement is marked "Empire" "Made in England" with a number. Ringtone every hour and half hour. Pendulum in very good working order, with its key. Height 25 cm, width 20 cm, depth 13 cm. Empire was originally the hallmark of a company called Williamson which developed a reputation as an excellent movement. Through various mergers and purchases, the trading name passed to a company called English Clock and Watch manufacturers Ltd which was purchased by Smiths in 1932. Smiths thus acquired the trading names Astral and Empire.