The table clock case is a portico model. Two fluted columns – on the front – and two pilasters – on the back – in veined green marble, with gilded bronze bases and capitals, support a mixtilinear entablature also in veined green marble. The bases and the capitals of the columns are in the Doric style, with cable moulding and beading. The front of the pilasters is decorated with chiselled and gilded bronze plates showing plant motifs of palms, flowers and leaves. The bases and capitals of the pilasters are also decorated with embossed plant motifs that imitate the Corinthian style.

The clock face, movement and pendulum include a glass-walled rectangle. They are all on a veined green marble plinth with trim and four level ball feet, in gilded bronze, with cable moulding and beading on the front.

The gilded bronze clock face has a white porcelain dial with the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes – in 15-minute intervals – in Arabic numerals, all of which are polychromed in black. Guilloché (a very precise, intricate, repetitive pattern mechanically engraved on metal) inside the dial. Breguet hands. Two keyholes. The signature, partly faded, is on the lower part of the hour dial, between VII and V, and can barely be made out: TIN… REIMS. Beaded frame and frieze decorated with acanthus leaves around the clock face. Three ropes tied in a knot from which three tassels are hanging on both sides. The letters BL are engraved on the back.

Parisian-style French movement. The wheel train or movement with a spring drive keeps the watch running for eight days, with pin-pellet escapement and pendulum. The chiming mechanism strikes the hours and half hours using a chime. Paris and the production number 20673 engraved on the back plate.

The pendulum, in openwork bronze, depicts two bees sipping from flowers and are surrounded by a garland of large flowers. On the back, BL 20678.

All the decorative motifs – such as candelieri (embossed plant motifs) – on both pilasters and the clock face recall a classical design, typical of portico clocks inspired by classical architecture. This decoration is also on the bases, capitals and pendulum.

BL must be the initials of the bronze smith, whom it has not been possible to identify.

Amelia Aranda Huete