Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
Neoclassical Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style porcelain and gilt bronze clock set by Barbedienne
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 53cm, width 27cm, depth 24cm
Candelabra: Height 56cm, width 19cm, dep...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Neoclassical Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Circular Movement Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style marble and gilt bronze circular movement mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 82cm, width 26cm, depth 26cm
Crafted from the finest of materials, including beautiful white marble, gilt bronze, and patinated bronze, this unusually large mantel clock is a superb piece of neoclassical design. The clock features a white marble vase-shaped case, which houses its circular movement. The vase is set above a plinth form base, which is inset with gilt bronze relief panels...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Circular Movement Mantel Clock by Leroy & Cie
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style circular movement mantel clock by Leroy & Cie
French, circa 1880
Measures: Height 72cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
This superb mantel clock, crafted from white marble, gilt bronze, and patinated bronze—takes the shape of an Amphora vase form case above a cylindrical stem and a circular foot, the stem and foot ornamented with classicising gilt bronze mounts. The foot of the vase sits on an architecturally formed plinth, which is decorated with inset gilt bronze relief panels...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
The combination of sumptuous, lustrous ormolu and finely decorated Sevres style porcelain makes this mantel clock an exceptional piece. Built in France and retailed by the prestigiou...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
'Three Graces, ' Three-Piece Lapis and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This garniture comprises three pieces: a mantel clock and two flanking candelabra, the entire ensemble designed and ornamented in an ornate neoclassical style. The garniture is compo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
Fine Sevres Porcelain Blue Celeste and Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
A rare and very fine 19th century Napoleonic era Sevres Porcelain mantel clock, The richly chased ormolu gilt bronze body inset with 11 panels of porcelain with floral scenes, birds ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Cylindrical Mantel Clock with Emblems of Love
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze cylindrical mantel clock with emblems of love
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 40cm, diameter 17cm
This fabulously quirky mantel clock is modelled to depict Cup...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Style Lapis and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful early 20th Century clock set with later lapis veneer will make a stunning Neoclassical style addition to a mantelpiece and a bold i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Honoré Pons
By Honoré Pons
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a truly beautiful piece of design, crafted by the leading early 19th century French clock-maker, Pierre-César Honoré Pons. Honoré Pons...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Fine French Neoclassical Marble and Gilt Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
A fine late 19th century large white marble and ormolu mantel clock with a finely cast and patinated bronze lady reading.
The clock is in superb condition and has been restored by...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Statuary Marble, Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Blue Lapis Lazuli Clock with Bust of Molière
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze and blue lapis lazuli clock with bust of Molière
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 61cm, width 27cm, depth 13cm
This exquisite French mantel clock originates fr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This wonderful clock set was created in France in circa 1870, in the late 19th century. The set, which consists of a mantel clock and pair of candelabra is crafted from gilt bronze (...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880
A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the case with elaborate garland decorations culminating in a volute krater of flowers ab...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the art and culture of Classical Greece, this three-piece garniture contains a mantel clock and two candelabra. The rectangular body of the clock is of lapis lazuli and is surmounted by a Grecian vase...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This ormolu (gilt bronze) mantel clock is a stunning piece of design, which features beautiful neoclassical style low-relief decorations and three-dimensional sculptures.
The clock takes the form of a tall rectangular case with a circular white enamel dial near its top. This dial features black Roman Numerals and the maker’s signature, ‘Robin/ à Paris’. The dial is displayed behind a glass lens within a foliate bezel. The case is decorated in its upper corners with rosettes, and in the lower section with a stylised depiction of a swan. The case is topped by a sculpture of a wreath, propped up on a roll of paper or parchment. To the left of the case, there is a full-length statue of a man who wears a classical robe and holds a mirror. A lyre leans against the right side of the case.
The clock is set on a wide rectangular base which is decorated with a low-relief scene taken from the classical myth of Dido and Aeneas...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Gilt Bronze, Marble and Tole Revolving Dial Clock
By Francois Vion
Located in London, GB
This exquisite mantel clock was designed in the 19th century in France, inspired by an earlier model by François Vion, a famous Parisian metalworker of the 18th century. In this desi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze
Antique Marble, Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Gervais
Located in London, GB
This three-piece set—composed of a clock and a pair of flanking candelabra—is a truly unique and delightful piece of decorative art.
The clock is modelled in the image of an 18th century sedan chair – that is, a covered chair sat in by a member of the social elite, which was carried on poles by two people. This chair-shaped clock case is crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu) and decorated with festoons and a flower finial. At its centre, there is a circular white enamel dial, which features Arabic Numbers, colorful swag paintings, and the manufacturer’s name, 'Fd Gervais / Ft du Bronzes / A Paris'. The lower part of the case is glazed, allowing one to see the clock’s sun-burst pendulum. Like a sedan chair, the clock case is carried by two patinated bronze putti...
Category
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Glass and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This French mantel clock is designed in an elegant Neoclassical style, after the decorative arts of the Louis XVI period (1754-1793). This clock will look beautiful placed on a mante...
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Rare Late 18th Century Neoclassical Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The circular white-enameled dial signed ”Detour Paris” with Roman hours and Arabic quarter marks, a further inner Arabic chapter ring for the day of month. Pierced gilt hands and a b...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a wonderful piece of French Neoclassical design. It is an unusual and very beautiful item, which has been expertly crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu). The clock will add elegance and sophistication to a mantelpiece.
The clock features a table-form body which is topped by a classical urn. The urn is crowned by a pomegranate finial and mounted with twin handles in the shape of rams’ heads with rings in their mouths. The urn is decorated with twisted and cabled fluting, a belt draped with foliate swags, panelled motifs and a ropework band.
The urn stands on a table-shaped body which is surmounted by outward-pointing pinecone finials and laurel branches. The stepped tabletop has scalloped corners and is decorated with an egg-and-dart and leaf-and-dart band, as well as a central Green Man mask. This top is supported on six legs which feature leafy scrolled tops draped with swags and hoof feet. Between the legs, there is a drum clock...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Porphyry Cercle Tournant Fine French Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique mantel clock is unusual for its serpentine design, featuring a gilt bronze, hanging snake head that acts as a clock hand.
The 360 degree turning circular ena...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Antique French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This large mantel clock is an excellent piece of refined neoclassical design by the acclaimed Deniere et Fils firm. Deniere was one of the leading ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Period Neoclassical Early 19th Century Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock, Vienna
Located in Essex, MA
Large Johann Sachs Austrian clock in large carved wood housing with figures, flanked by decorative flower filled urns, polychromed and gilt. Carved laure...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Giltwood
Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This magnificent mantel clock—which measures an impressive 82cm in height—was crafted in France, in the period when Napoleon I was Emperor (1804-1814, 1815). The clock was crafted by...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
The white onyx and gilt bronze three-piece set consists of a central clock, accompanied by two six-light candelabra. The three items were crafted in the 19th century, during the reig...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze
Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Regency monumental doré and patinated bronze ormolu-mounted on marble base clock adorned with figures of a Cherub and a Maiden, extremely large an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Gilt bronze mantel clock in form of Roman ruin
Located in London, GB
This wonderful mantel clock is designed in the image of an ancient Roman ruin. The clock is clearly inspired by the kind of prints, paintings and drawings of dilapidated Roman buildi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Glass Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This graceful three-piece clock set is designed in a refined neoclassical style, which was fashionable in France in the 19th century. The set has been crafted from finely cut clear g...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt bronze, and features the surmounting figure of Asteria seated with the figure of a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Cloisonne Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This exceptionally detailed clock set consists of a mantel clock and a pair of accompanying vases, which are all crafted in ormolu and extensively decorated in vibrant cloisonné enam...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This endearing French mantel clock combines lustrous ormolu and sumptuous white marble, making for a light and yet majestic work that perfectly compliments the masterfully executed N...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
This magnificent clock set is the work of celebrated French maker Henri Picard, who collaborated on this fine piece together with the famous firm of clockmakers, Raingo Freres. Both ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Solid Silver Inscribed Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This charming silver mantel clock has a fascinating history, having probably been made as a commemorative item. It dates from the 19th century in Spain, and is the work of Spanish si...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Silver
French Silvered Bronze and Ormolu Neoclassical Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
This charming antique French mantel clock is crafted by famous French maker, Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919). The work is rendered in the eleg...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Lapis Lazuli and Silvered Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique three-piece French clock set is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra.
The central clock features a circular central dial surround...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880.
A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the case with elaborate garland decorations culminating in a volute krater of flowers abo...
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie Red Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This fine and ornate antique clock set by Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie comprises a clock and two flanking candelabra. The asymmetrical clock is set on a red marble base with ormolu feet and features a central relief panel in patinated bronze. The circular red marble clock...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
By Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain decorated in the Sevres style. 'ER', the mark of French clockmaker Ernest Royer, active in the later 19th Century, is stamped on the underside of the ormolu mounts. There are three Sevres style porcelain plaques in total, all set on turquoise ground: the plaque to the front of the clock depicts a cherub and a nymph as well as containing the clock face with Roman numerals. The two sides of the clock case feature further porcelain plaques, which portray Neptune, Aurora and mermaids. The rectangular ormolu clock case is surmounted by a putto with a dog. There is a neoclassical pilaster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
White Marble Mantel Clock, Barometer, Thermometer and Lunar Scale by Bourdon
Located in London, GB
Made for the Spanish market and constructed in white Carrara marble, the front with three circular dials for the clock, barometer and lunar scale and two rectangular thermometers.
...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble
Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set
Located in London, GB
Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 27cm, width 36.5cm, depth 12cm
Candelabra: Height 33cm, width 20cm, depth 11.5cm
This fine three-piece clock set is by Henri Picard, one of the leading producers of luxury bronze...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Continental Austrian Gilt Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Continental Austrian (18th Century) gilt wood and blue glass panel mantel clock with a pediment (signed: Wieneslaus Wilfarthm, Koniglicher Hoff, UHR Macher) (Not working)
Category
18th Century and Earlier Austrian Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt bronze decorated with neoclassical symbols ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique German Victorian Mahogany Westminster Kienzle Bracket Mantel Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century Kienzle key wound mantel clock with simple neoclassical mahogany case and floral etched brass face including controls for speed and chime above the clockface. Arab...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This large and impressive clock is by the renown French Bronzier Lemerle Charpentier & Cie. It features Classical maidens holding a large urn form case surmounted by Cupid with his ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Mantel Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Neoclassical mantel clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical mantel clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage mantel clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, mirrors, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical mantel clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original mantel clocks, popular names associated with this style include Ferdinand Barbedienne, Japy Frères, Raingo Frères, and Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for mantel clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $98,973 while the average work can sell for $17,157.
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