A large and attractive Charles X period French finely inlaid cartel (wall) octagonal clock with a movement marked by Honoré Pons. France, 1st half of the 19th century. Case decorated with marquetry - light wood foliage on the ground of the kingwood (palisander), with gilt bronze (ormolu) details. Very rare clock, preserved in the excellent original condition! Honoré Pons (1773-1851) - known as one the best and most influential clock makers of the early to mid 19th century. In 1798 he worked as a clockmaker for the prestigious Lepaute. In 1803 he set up as a clockmaker at Rue de la Huchette in Paris, located close to Place St-Michel where many of the distinguished clockmakers such as Berthoud, Bréguet and Lépine were based. In 1807 Pons was commissioned by Napoleon’s Interior Minister. Over the years he received many gold and silver medals (mentioned below). In 1819 Pons received the highest acclamation by the Légion d’Honnerur. A collection of his clocks are on display at Musée de l’Horlogerie de Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont, and Musée des Arts et Métiers. 1819 - Medaille d'Argent, Paris (Allix) 1823 - Medaille d'Argent, Paris (Allix & Thorpe) 1827 - Medaille d'Or, Paris (Thorpe) 1834 – Medaille d’Or, Paris (Allix) and/or 1839 – Medaille d’Or, Paris (Thorpe) 1900 - Medaille d'Or, Paris (net) The round movement typical for early 19th century French clock-masters, with anchor escapement, silk suspension and outside countwheel strikes full- and half-hours on a bell. Stamped to the backplate: MEDAILLE D'OR (gold medal) / 1827 / Pons, serial number: 1135 and pendulum parametres: 5 - 4. The same serial number is stamped on the pendulum, what means it's original, from this clock. Protected by a convex glass in gilt bronze frame. The stamp allows us to precisely date the clock, as maker could use the trophy for 10 years only, it was manufactured between 1827 and 1837. A large (17 cm!) machine-turned and silvered dial with black Roman numerals. Original period blackened steel hands. Comes with the later winding key. The wooden case made in octagonal shape is veneered with palisander (rosewood, kingwood), decorated with marquetry of light wood - precisely cut foliage. Top part with a large bronze ball with a hanging-ring installed in it. Provenance: a noble family living in France. Dimensions: height (total) - 56,5 cm; diameter - 42,8 cm; depth - c. 14 cm. Diameter of the dial - 17 cm. Conditions report: case in excellent original condition. One small piece of veneer missing, one restored (check pictures), fortunately both on back-top, so no visible when the clock is placed on the wall. Some use- and age related wear to include minor marks and scratches. Wear to the gilding on bronze parts. Worldwide delivery with online tracking. The clock will be properly packed to avoid any damages and shipped by courier only (not National Post).