Empire Style Longcase Clock Signed 19th Century

A splendid French Empire Revival longcase clock from the Napoleon III period (late 19th century), signed TEXIER. This exceptional portico-style floor clock is crafted in mahogany with beautifully matched flame mahogany veneer, and features an abundance of finely chiseled fire-gilt bronze ornaments (ormolu).

Dating from the end of the 19th century (circa 1880), during the reign of Napoleon III, this clock exemplifies the Second Empire’s revival of earlier imperial aesthetics. The Napoleon III style was highly eclectic, reviving and blending elements from previous eras – notably the grandeur of Napoleon I’s Empire style – to create richly decorated piecesen.galerie-atena.com. The lavish ornamentation and imperial symbolism of this clock are characteristic of that historicist design trend.

Architecturally, the clock adopts a monumental portico form. The upper section houses a white enamel dial flanked by two gilded bronze caryatids, each crowned with a laurel wreath, supporting a classical entablature1stdibs.com. Atop the clock, a majestic gilt bronze eagle with outstretched wings is mounted on the pediment – an imperial emblem reminiscent of Napoleon I – and behind it a bas-relief frieze (depicting an antique chariot and allegorical motifs) adorns the cornice1stdibs.com. The open portico allows a view of the swinging pendulum with an ornate lenticular bob (decorated with a classical mask motif in gilded bronze).

The lower section of the case, of console form, contains a concealed drawer with key for storage. The front supports are carved as fantastical creatures (chimera), terminating in lion paw feet resting on spheres1stdibs.com. The whole clock stands on a sturdy rectangular plinth base. The decorative program is rich in Empire-inspired iconography: in addition to the caryatids and eagle, one finds motifs of laurel wreaths (symbolizing victory), crossed torches, scrolling foliage, and lion heads – all underscoring the majestic, allegorical character of this timepieceproantic.com.

The clock case is built from solid mahogany, finished with a gorgeous bookmatched mahogany veneer that highlights the wood’s grain. The ornamental mounts are made of finely cast and hand-chiseled bronze, fire-gilded using the traditional mercury process, which yields a deep gold lustreproantic.comproantic.com. Every detail – from the sculpted caryatid figures to the smallest appliqué – reflects superior French craftsmanship of the Napoleon III era. The interplay of the warm mahogany and the brilliant ormolu mounts gives the piece a sumptuous presence, exemplifying the high quality of 19th-century French horology and decorative arts.

The clock’s original mechanical movement (pendulum with silk suspension) is intact, professionally overhauled, and in perfect working order. It strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell, with a pleasant antique chimeclockprestige.com. The original gilded brass pendulum and the winding key are present. The clock case and movement have been meticulously restored: the mahogany wood has been refinished (hand-polished French polish) to accentuate its beautiful grain, and the gilt bronzes have been cleaned while preserving their antique patina. This impressive timepiece is in excellent condition and ready to adorn the most discerning collection.

Height: 244 cm,
Width: 51 cm,
Depth: 27 cm.