I know, it's quite unique, isn't it. I love carved wood, and when I found this in France, It just had a sculptural and also historical appeal. From the front, the 25" tall clock would seem to be a mantle clock, and it can be. The depth is interesting and allows it to be a wall clock, as well. Huge hand carved wood case includes motifs relating to The Sun King, Louis XIV of the 17th Century. You see his bust there cast into the center medallion of the elaborate cast dial, and his crossed dolphins and shell motifs worked throughout the clock and as crest. The classical nude with water jug is a symbol of life-giving source of water, and she's flanked by a pair of swans. It's a gorgeous old thing. But, whatever clockworks originally was there in the carved out space in back has been removed and at some point someone changed it out for a more modern battery operated clockworks. That mechanism does not work, even with batteries and seems old (not antique). One will either need to appreciate it for the art it is, or will need to replace that clockworks if you'd like it to run. Hands are there. It seems a simple thing to do. Perhaps a clockmaker would have a better solution, however.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, I do not believe this was a Louis XIV era clock, but more likely c.1860-1900, it has an Art Nouveau feel, as well. The carved case is really a work of sculpture and art, a statement piece, and remains very beautiful and appealing. As noted above, a battery clockworks someone has installed in back compartment is not working. Replace with same but newer, or look into a clockmaker's help in locating a sized more original clockworks for it. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
