A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE NAPOLEON III PERIOD GILT BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK GARNITURE BY HENRI PICARD AND RAINGO FRERES, PARISthe ornate case decorated with a pair of reclining putti, one holding a fish the other a bunch of grapes, the scrolling plinth base set with a relief of Bacchic putti and with foliate mounts, surmounted by volute scrolls and reeds, the white enamelled dial with Roman numerals and Arabic five minute markers, signed 'RAINGO FRERES A PARIS', the twin movement with outside countwheel striking on a bell, with pendulum, with matching figural lamp bases, each modelled as a putto holding an acanthus wrapped torch and raised on reeded, spreading plinth bases, signed to the reverse 'PICARD'the clock 77cm wide x 53cm high, the lamps 53cm high (3)The movement is ticking when wound but not fully tested or guaranteed.The Parisian fondeur and doreur Henri Picard was recorded at 6 rue Jarente in 1831, and moved to 10 rue de la Perle in 1839. The firm was renowned for the production of decorative items of the highest quality, a reputation confirmed by their commission to supply furniture and works of art for Emperor Napoleon III's apartments at the Louvre in the 1860's. Raingo Freres were widely considered to be one of the finest horologist firms during that period and so the combination of these two greats in one clock is a rare find. For another example of a clock by Picard and Raingo Freres see Bonhams, Los Angeles, 10 July 2013 lot 4126.