Very few examples of European clocks from the 18th, 19th or even 20th century, made entirely from ivory, were produced. Even though by the time this clock was made raw ivory had come down in price significantly (particularly through the Belgian Congo), it was still a precious material that required the specific skills of the carver and simply was not a cost-effective material to employ for mechanical objects. This large example was therefore either a special commission made to order or an object produced to be shown at one of the international exhibitions. The carving is very fine and the ivory is in wonderful condition, partly owing to the survival of its original case. The sumptuousness of the ivory is also complemented by the silver base mounted with lapis lazuli panels.

The subject of Grecian-clad figures mounted on either side of a clock movement was a subject that certainly dates back to atleast the late 18th century, particularly in France, when clock cases became increasingly sculptural in design, depicting figures derived from classical mythology, Roman history and/or allegorical subjects. There do not appear to be any direct precedents for this model, but the designer or maker may very well have been familiar with clocks similar to the one shown in fig. 29 from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and illustrated by Tardy, circa 1775.1

Related literature:

1 Tardy, Les Plus Belles Pendules Francaises, 1st edition, 1949, p. 29.