A French-made Leroy Onyx and Champleve Enamel decorated circular case, Crystal Regulator mantel clock. 223308.

This Crystal Regulator is a "Best" in its category. It was made in France circa 1890 under the Le Roy name. Le Roy was a company that was based in Paris. Charles Le Roy, the founder, is considered one of the most important Parisian Clockmakers of the mid-to-late 1700s. After several name changes due to generational turnover, the company opened two shops in London. The last was opened in 1885 at New Bond Street. Le Roy was the only foreign company to be awarded a British royal warrant by Queen Victoria. The Leroy name is synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the world of antique clocks, adding significant value to this piece.

The circular-shaped case is crafted from brass, green onyx, and glass. The case frame is made of brass, and these surfaces are elaborately decorated with a variety of colorful champlevé enamel. Champleve is an enamel decoration that is laid into the brass surfaces. Thin brass wires separate the multiple colors of enamel. This work is done to a very high standard. Not all Champleve is created equally. The four columns feature Corinthian capitals and Doric bases. Two circular green onyx platforms are integral in the case design. Both circular discs feature shaped moldings and complex graining. This onyx gives you the illusion that you are looking into the stone. All four sides of the case are fitted with glass panels. These beveled-edged panels are curved to conform to the circular shape of the case. The front and back panels are doors. These provide access to the dial and movement. 

The brass circular dial is trimmed with a ring of brilliants. These are framed between two rows of brass rope-shaped moldings. The individual hours have their cartouche. The Arabic hour numerals are painted inside these circles. The interior of the dial is decorated with a three-dimensional casting. The base decoration is complex and is pierced. The outer star-themed detail features enamel work. This dial is signed "Le Roy / PARIS." The time is indicated by the decoratively designed arrow and Fluer-dis-lis hands.

The movement, a testament to superior craftsmanship, is made of brass and is of exceptional quality. It is spring-powered and designed to run for eight days on a full wind, striking each hour on the hour on a wire gong mounted to the top of the case. This clock also strikes once on each half hour. The pendulum, a striking feature of the clock, hangs below the movement. The center of the bob features a hand-painted miniature portrait of a woman on porcelain enamel, adding a touch of artistry to the piece. This panel is signed Leroy just over her right shoulder. Around the perimeter of the bob is an additional circular pattern of glass brilliants, designed to catch light when the pendulum is in motion. 

This exceptional example was made circa 1880. 

The clock, a striking piece of art, stands at approximately 12.75 inches tall and has a diameter of 8.5 inches across the base, making it a perfect addition to any mantelpiece or display cabinet.

Inventory number 223308.