Clock, France, 1800-1825

Clock in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number 661-1901), made in France, dated 1800-1825. The museum's brief description reads: French Empire mantel clock of yellow marble and bronze surmounted by a figure of Mars.

Museum description: The clock forms a seat for the bronze figure representing Mars wearing an antique helmet and holding in his left arm an octagonal shield bearing a lion-mask within a laurel wreath; the sword formerly in his right hand is missing. The white enamel dial has Roman numerals encircled by a laurel wreath in patinated bronze. The clock and figure of Mars are supported by an oblong pedestal of yellow Siena marble bearing a trophy of arms in front consisting of crossed spears and a helmet with sprays of laurel.

The lower plinth rests on four feet, the front pair enriched with acanthus foliage is similarly patinated bronze. The museum records it as Patinated bronze, enamel, Siena marble, measuring Height 22.75 in; Length 15.75 in. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.