Hi David,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Constantin-Louis Detouche was one of the foremost French horologists of the nineteenth century, renowned for combining exceptional mechanical precision with innovative engineering. Working during the golden age of French clockmaking, he produced regulators, astronomical clocks, electric clocks, and complicated calendar clocks that were prized by scientists, institutions, and wealthy patrons alike.

A French antique clockmakers database notes that by the 1860s, contemporary reports described the firm as producing more than 3 million francs in annual sales, with over 1.2 million francs derived from horological products, an extraordinary volume for the period.

Detouche specialized in precision regulators, clocks designed to keep exceptionally accurate time and often used as master clocks for observatories, scientific institutions, and watchmakers. His workshop produced precision pendulum regulators, perpetual calendar clocks, equation-of-time clocks, astronomical regulators, electric clocks and skeleton and visible escapement clocks.

He was also among the earliest French horologists experimenting with electricity.

Detouche enjoyed an exceptional reputation and received numerous distinctions:
- Official clockmaker to the City of Paris
- Official clockmaker to Emperor Napoleon III
- Awarded the French Légion d'Honneur in 1853
- Decorated with the Danish Order of the Dannebrog for his work on electric clocks
- Winner of gold medals at the Besançon Horological Exhibition (1860) and the London International Exhibition (1862).

I don't see a signature on the bronze but have seen that same figural group on other French clocks of the Napoleon III style. If there's a name you can find on the bronze (probably along the bottom) please let me know as that might increase the value of this clock.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique French Napoleon III ormolu mounted marble clock
works by Constantin-Louis Detouche, mid 19th Century
Surmounted by two bronze Classical figures, both with harps, over a dial marked "C. Detouche / 158 bis Rue St. Martin", on a black marble base with ormolu mounts.
15-20 inches tall
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition cosmetically; it is reported to be in working condition.
PROVENANCE: unknown
$2,500-3,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia