French Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantle Clock, body by Porché and works by Lechopie.  The baluster form body and flat, square base of white Carrara marble, with round clock works inset to body center, the white enamel dial marked Porché a PARIS in black Roman numeral chapters and the quarter hour positions with Arabic numbers. The clock body flanked by two gilt bronze dolphins centered to the sides, spewing gilt bronze ribbons of water to side and atop the clock, with gilt bronze grasses and oak leaves, over ribbons, to sides, with milled cisele ankle and base to appear like water, the marble base inset with scrolling foliate gilt bronze panels to all four sides, over four gilt bronze ball form feet.

The dolphins and streamed spouts have long been symbolic of water, and "Le Dauphin," the earlier title of the grandson and heir to Louis XV's throne. The clock case design after a model by Brècourt, 1775, bronzier to the King, of whose creations the pendule au dauphins is the most famous design.

Engraved to lower part of back plate, "Lechopie a Paris," movement to back by Adam Lechopie (1724–1795), maitre horloger after 1758. The clockworks with silk thread pendulum and escapement mechanism. 

{Approximate dimensions: 18" H. x 10" W.  x 6 1/4" D.}.

Marble body loose on ankle, and with small chips at the joint in this location; glazed door to face and back do not lock or shut completely. Shallow 5/8" l. chip near 2 o'clock, to marble body. Pendulum and key present. Parts of movement may be replaced. Please contact the Furniture and Decorations Department for a more detailed condition report on this lot. Please note that the department does not test scientific or electrified devices.