Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon

Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon
French, c. 1840
Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 15cm
 
The gilt bronze mantel clock is set on a rectangular, tiered base with four decorative feet. The lower tier is centred with a sleeping lion above a plaque showing the scarf, sword, and hat of Napoleon. There is a relief plaque above the lion showing a ship off St Helena (the location of Napoleon's exile) and to either side further decorations formed as martial trophies. To the top of the plaque is a portrait medallion of Napoleon with winged cherubs and the letter 'N'. The circular dial of the clock is set to the centre above the base within a gilt bronze border and flanked by the figures of France and an eagle to either side. Between them they hold an urn, which bears the inscription 'Ste Helene / 5 Mai 1821'. The figure of France holds a flag inscribed 'France 1840.' The clock is a commemorative piece, produced to celebrate the return of Napoleon’s ashes to France in 1840.