A NAPOLEON III POLISHED ROUGE GRIOTTE AND BLACK MARBLE "PENDULE DE NOTAIRE" CLOCK, RETAILED BY H. CHAPUS FILS, CIRCA 1855, the circular drum form case centering a beaded bronze and beveled glass bezel, opening to a gilt egg-and-dart cast bronze trim framing an almond colored enamel ring dial with black stylized Arabic numerals, centering blued steel halberd/spike hands on a conforming recessed gilt face with partially exposed gilt-brass clockworks above inscription "A LA GERBE D'OR / H. CHAPUS Fils / 86. RUE de RIVOLI / PARIS," verso pierced metal door opening to brass clock mechanism numbered 3109 / 9 11, impressed pastille "MEDAILLE D'ARGENT / VINCENTI & Cie / 1855," suspending a two glass vile and brass mercury compensation pendulum (now empty), before a hammer strike metal domed bell with incised EB monogram, over an exterior black marble door fitted with bronze hinges and lever opening to pendulum adjustment compartment, the clock drum case rests on a conforming base flanked by griotte marble inset roundels, supported by a base with a rectangular cavetto trimmed cornice on fluted griotte pilasters centering a beveled glass pendulum window within similarly inlaid side serpentine brackets, raised on a conforming plinth with breakfront griotte pilaster bases. Height: 18 3/4" Width: 14 3/4" Depth: 6" Provenance: Lifelong Collection of Clocks and Antiques, Navasota, Texas.

Normal surface buildup and dust, some light scratches, a few small edge and corner nicks/chips, one inch loss on back left corner top of black marble cornice cavetto and oxidized spots on some gilt areas. Pendulum brass parts are lightly tarnished, steel rods have some surface rust and glass viles are empty. Lacking winding key. Simpson Galleries does not guarantee any timepiece or clock mechanism.  Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS." NO REFUNDS will be issued based on condition.