Hi Justin,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The statue on this clock is Cicero ( Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106–43 BCE), the famous Roman orator, philosopher, and statesman. The tablet he's pointing to reads "“Loi & Alliance” (French for “Law & Alliance”), which strongly suggests a symbolic representation of rhetoric, legal authority, and diplomatic reason—all traits associated with Cicero.

Cicero (or figures resembling Roman statesmen like him) was sometimes featured on 19th-century mantel and figural clocks, particularly in France, during the Neoclassical revival.

The eight-pointed star inside a circle with surrounding dots and a central sunburst or gear is a known Japy Frères medallion stamp. The company often marked their clock movements with this type of design, especially in the mid to late 19th century.

Japy Freres figural clocks of this vintage and size - which are in working condition - usually bring between $200 and $400 at auction; ones where the figure is made of spelter (a non-magnetic zinc-based alloy, often with a mix of other metals like lead, tin, or aluminum that was less costly than bronze) will be worth less.

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

An antique French Neoclassical Revival "Cicero" figural clock
made by Japy Freres, Paris, France, late 19th Century
The bronze or spelter standing figure of Cicero holding a tablet inscribed "Loi & Alliance," on a black stone or marble columnar-form base with brass lion's head handles and outset face with Roman numeral chapter rings, on an octagonal plinth.
25 inches tall
CONDITION: This appears to be intact; working condition not verified.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a yard or garage sale
$200-400*
*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