A good mid 19th century French ormolu mantel clockSilvani, B, Paris, No 3704The key-hole shaped case surmounted by a handle over curved glazed side panels to an anthemion and lotus-leaf cast base, the 3 inch silvered engine turned dial with Breguet-style hands, the signed circular movement with tic-tac escapement and outside countwheel striking on a bell, with silk suspension and rare pendulum steady. Ticking and striking. Together with a winding key. 25cms (10ins) high. Footnotes:Provenance:The Dymoke family, then in the vendors family since 1930s. Sir Henry Dymoke, 1st Baronet (1801–1865), was a landowner from Lincolnshire whose family had held the role of the King's Champion during coronations since the time of Richard II in 1377. The role of the Champion was to act for the King in the event that someone challenged the new monarch's title to the throne; he would ride fully armoured into Westminster Hall where he would throw down the gauntlet. During the coronation of George IV in 1821 the challenge was the following: 'If any person, of whatever degree soever, high or low, shall deny or gainsay our Sovereign Lord George, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, son and next heir unto our Sovereign Lord the last King deceased, to be the right heir to the imperial Crown of this realm of Great Britain and Ireland, or that he ought not to enjoy the same; here is his Champion, who saith that he lieth, and is a false traitor, being ready in person to combat with him, and in this quarrel will adventure his life against him on what day soever he shall be appointed.'William IV and Victoria's coronations did not have the Champion and in exchange of the loss of his role, Sir Henry was appointed Baronet. At Edward VII's coronation in 1902 the then Baronet Dymoke was entrusted with the role of Standard Bearer, a role that was again fulfilled for George VI's and then Elizabeth II's coronations by Sir John.