Ormolu Clocks
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Material: Ormolu
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu and silvered bronze clock, signed Pfeñinger, Zurich. The clock is centered by a striking f...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement, 19th C
Located in London, GB
This is a superb quality antique French malachite, bronze and ormolu mantel clock dating from Circa 1850 in date.
It features Louis XVI seated on an ormolu throne chair whilst reading a book.
The clockmakers name is inscribed on the backplate. It is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is original. The movement bearing the serial number 29, made and signed by Japy Fils 1849. It has an early French silk suspension...
Category
1850s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
By Jollet & Cie
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock, signed Jollet & Cie. The clock is raised by a square stepped base with a finely chased pierced...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Byzantine Style Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Garniture by Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
Byzantine style gilt bronze and champlevé enamel clock garniture by Raingo Frères
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 55cm, width 34cm, depth 25cm
Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 31cm, depth 28cm
The present clock set is by Raingo Frères, one of nineteenth-century France’s leading producers of luxury clocks...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. White Carrara Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu clock. The clock is raised by foliate topie shaped feet below the oblong shaped white Ca...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Exceptional French Ormolu-Mounted Turquoise Jeweled Sevres Porcelain Clock Set
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional French bronze ormolu mounted turquoise jeweled Sèvres Porcelain clock set by Raingo Fres, Paris, circa 1880.
Comprising of...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique French 19th century mantel clock.
This exquisite mantel clock has a Sevres porcelain dial plate and other Sevres porcelain decorations.
The movement with spring suspension. ...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Early Louis XVI French Ormolu Mantle Clock by Leon A Paris
Located in Greenlawn, NY
Maker:
Leon a Paris
Case:
The matte and burnished ormolu case has lion busts holding a fabric swag, frets and is decorated with geometric and natural decorative elements. Abov...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Marble Clock, Signed Déliau
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible and extremely high quality French late 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu, white Carrara marble and black Belgian marble clock signed Déliau - Rue De La Bartillerie N...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu
French Red Marble and Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Style Matched Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French red marble and gilt bronze Neoclassical style matched clock set
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 70cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm
Candel...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Ormolu
French 18th Century Louis XV Period/Louis XVI Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu nine light chandelier. The chandelier is centered by an outstanding bottom acorn inverted finial amidst richly chased acanthus lea...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Renaissance St. Bronzre, Marble, and Ormolu Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality French 19th century Renaissance st. Rouge Griotte marble, patinated bronze, and ormolu garniture clock set. The clock at the center is raised by hand...
Category
19th Century French Renaissance Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Signed by Deniere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and patinated bronze clock, signed Denière. The clock is raised by a fine oval shaped ormolu base with a richly chased wrap around berried laurel band and mottled border. The adorable and wonderfully detailed patinated bronze winged cherub is seated with his bow and arrows in a quiver at his side draped in a lovely flowing fabric. He is attentively holding a scroll in his left hand, seemingly reading and taking notes with a pen in his right hand while leaning on the clock with a curious raven at his side. The clock is set in a patinated bronze box...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Antique French Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional quality three-piece clock set designed in a grand neoclassical style by 'Domange Rollin Rue de Bretagne Paris'. France.
The set is comprised of a central clock and tw...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Grandfather Clock Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III ormolu mounted mahogany grandfather clock Circa 1885-1890. This is a beautiful clock, with wonderful exotic wood inlays and ormolu finishings. It is in th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Three-Piece Onyx and Ormolu Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome French 19th century Louis XVI st. 3-piece onyx and ormolu garniture set. The three urns, each with a green onyx body are raised on concave c...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Rouge Griotte, Ormolu and Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte, ormolu and patinated bronze signed clock. The clock is raised by fine topie shaped feet below the circular base with a fin...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu, Bronze and Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu, patinated bronze and Brèche Violette marble clock. The clock is raised by a square marble base with cut corners and a mottled...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze mantel clock with Classical figures
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 45cm, width 39cm, depth 17cm
This mantel clock feat...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Baroque Style Bronze and Ormolu Cherub Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Baroque style bronze and ormolu cherub mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 69cm, width 35cm, depth 26.5cm
This dramatic a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style French malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 30cm, depth 15cm
This neoclassical Louis XVI style mant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Venus and Cupid
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock with Venus and Cupid
French, early 19th Century
Measures: Height 53cm, width 37.5cm, depth 13.5cm
This fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze. The clock includes a sculptural surmount of Venus accompanied by Cupid. Venus sits atop the square clock...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Eight Day Striking Clock
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French eight day silk-suspension, striking clock, contained in ormolu case mounted with vases and urns of flowers with well-cast b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
c.1812 English Patinated, Ormolu and Marble Figural Mantle Clock
By Thomas Weeks
Located in Greenlawn, NY
Maker:
Semaine (Thomas Weeks), clockmaker.
Richard Smith, springmaker
Merfield, dial enameler.
Case:
The extremely well-cast and finished patinated bronze and ormolu case de...
Category
1810s English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock of Ceres, circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE ORMOLU BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK OF CERES, GODDESS OF AGRICULTURE
Movement by Etienne Tavernier; France, circa 1815
Item # 104HWG22Z
A fine Empire period mantel clock with bun feet raising a rectangular base with a central portrait of Bacchus flanked by exquisitely chiseled motif of swirling foliage surmounted by a figure of the goddess Ceres grasping in her lowered hand a wreath woven with foliage and berries while in her garment she collects a bountiful harvest; she rests beside the clock tower with a framed lens opening to access the white enamel dial with black Roman numerals inscribed Etn. Tavernier set with Breguet style hands, raising an urn filled with fruits of the soil; against the tower rest the implements of labor, a shovel and flat rake. The movement is engraved "B".
A significant clock movement maker, Etienne Tavernier (French, 1756-1839) is listed in Tardy's horology reference as working closely with the house of Abraham-Louis Breguet as well as providing clock movements...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
English Regency Fusee Mantel Clock, by Viner in Ormolu and Derbyshire Marble
Located in London, GB
English Regency ormolu and Derbyshire black marble mantel clock. Typical drum shaped clock, set on four elaborate ormolu toupee feet. The Derbyshire black marble base has an applied ...
Category
1820s English Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Malachite Allegorical Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 50m, width 21cm, depth 14cm
This fine mantel clock is an excellent ex...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Large French Baroque Style Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large French Baroque style gilt bronze and porcelain mantel clock
French, mid 19th Century
Measures: Height 71cm, width 43cm, depth 21cm
This elegant mantel clock is crafted in the Baroque style from gilt bronze and porcelain. The clock features a rectangular form case, which is inset with a large and impressive porcelain plaque painted after a work by the Baroque period Spanish artist Murillo...
Category
1850s French Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Circa 1860-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI style ormolu and patinated bronze clock with cherubs, circa 1860-1870.
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Ormolu French Empire clock, drumhead case with applied frieze decoration to the base, standing on turned and engraved feet.
Superb engine turned dial centre, the gilded dial with Roman numerals, original hands and floral cast bezel surround.
Convex glass to the rear supporting the eight day movement with outside countwheel striking and silk suspension.
The whole surmounted by a gilded winged...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Sienna Marble Mantle Clock
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional quality early 19th century Sienna marble and ormolu mantle clock, the sienna marble case surmounted by an urn, raised on ormolu bun feet and a rectangular plinth steep...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Siena Marble, Ormolu
French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 51cm, width 33cm, depth 14cm
This mantel ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality gilt bronze and porcelain figural mantel clock. The figure of a maiden placing a garland of flowers over the cherub’s head.
Origin: French
Date: circa 1880
Dimen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Three-Piece Meiji Period Japonisme Vase Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique three-piece Meiji period Japonisme vase clock set
French/Japanese, late 19th century
Measures: Clock height 47cm, diameter 22cm
Candelabra height 55cm, width 25cm, depth 2...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock, circa 1850-1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI Finest Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock, circa 1850-1860.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French Sevres style porcelain and gilded ormolu clock garniture. Having a pair of cherubs either side of the clock and central urn, classical ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Three-Piece Louis XV and Sèvres Style Clock and Ewer Set
Located in London, GB
Antique Three-piece Louis XV and Sèvres style clock and ewer set
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 36cm, width 34cm, depth 12cm
Consisting of a central mantel clock a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Onyx, Marble, Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal Clock
Located in London, GB
This colorful pedestal clock has been crafted from fine red marble and green onyx, and beautifully decorated with gilt bronze (ormolu) and champlevé enamel. While a popular crafts material in ancient times, onyx was largely forgotten about until its rediscovery in the mid-19th century in Algeria by a French marble-worker called Delmonte. Onyx became highly fashionable in France following this discovery, and it was used to create a variety of decorative art objects.
The clock features a green onyx cube-shaped case, which is surmounted by a slightly projecting red marble top. This top is fringed with champlevé enamel drapery-like motifs, with gilt bronze drop-finials. The case is mounted on its front with a circular dial, which features a central floral champlevé enamel motif, encircled by black Arabic Numerals. This dial is set within a gilt bronze egg-and-dart and champlevé enamel bezel. The sides of the case are mounted with circular gilt bronze barometers...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Renaissance Revival Enamel and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Renaissance Revival enamel and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Size: Height 53cm, width 29cm, depth 22cm
The mantel clock i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Mounted Malachite Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and silvered bronze mounted malachite three-piece clock set
French, late 19th century
Clock: Height 56cm, width 53cm, depth 28cm
Candelabra: Height 66cm, width 30cm,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze clock set by Picard
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 72cm, width 46cm, depth 27cm
Candelabra: Height 78...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique French Belle Époque Rococo Style Bracket Clock by Henry Dasson
By Henry Dasson
Located in London, GB
Antique French Belle Époque Rococo style bracket clock by Henry Dasson
French, 1882
Measures: Total height 136cm
Clock height 86cm, width 37cm, depth...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Ormolu
Rare 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and White Marble Inclined Plane Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An extremely rare Louis XVI mantel clock 'a cremaillere', a movement driven by its own weight, where the moving drum barrel is running down an inclined whi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock with Glass Dome, circa 1820
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Charles X period ormolu mantel clock. The drum case flanked by a young couple standing under a palm tree with flowers all around, while the lady touched the man's hand.
The...
Category
1820s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Bronze and Ormolu Clock, 19th Century, French, Silk Suspension Striking
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French bronze and ormolu eight day silk suspension striking clock contained in ornate case surmounted by well-cast and gadrooned urn...
Category
Early 19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture
French, late 19th century
Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm
Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
This wonde...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French champlevé enamel and porcelain clock garniture, set in a gilded ormolu case, the porcelain panels to the clock and urns depicting classic...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
French 19th Century Rococo Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantel clock, having wonderful scrolling foliate decoration in the Rococo style, garlands of flowers draped eith...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Bourbon Restauration Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th Century Bourbon restauration malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, 1827
Dimensions: Height 65cm, width 32cm, depth 20cm
This beautiful early 19th Century m...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
French Neoclassical Style Enamel, Onyx, and Gilt Bronze Pedestal Clock
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical style enamel, onyx, and gilt bronze pedestal clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 125cm, width 36cm, depth 30cm
This beautiful pedestal clock has...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very pleasing early 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, have a classical maiden standing in front of a mirror, with a pedestal supporting a vase of flowers. The white e...
Category
19th Century French Romantic Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Parisian Mantel Clock and Candelabra Set by Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique Parisian mantel clock and candelabra set by Denière et Fils
French, 19th century
Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 19cm
Candela...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III Period neoclassical style three-piece clock set.
French, 19th century
Dimensions: Height 58cm, width 47cm, depth 19cm
Comprised of a mantel clock and two flanking c...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
French Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock
French ormolu mantel clock standing on a beaded oval base and resting on a mahogany plinth.
Floral swag decoration to either side of the dial.
The enamel dial with Roman numerals, original ‘blued’ steel hands signed ‘HRY Marc, Paris.
Finely painted porcelain panel...
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls
Located in London, GB
Antique Rococo Louis XV style ormolu and patinated bronze clock set by Denière et Fils
French, c. 1870
Clock: Height 59cm, width 52cm, depth 23cm
Candelabra: Height 71cm, width 33...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique neoclassical style three-piece gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 57cm, width 74cm, depth 23cm.
Candelabra: Height 83cm, width 27cm, d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Japonisme Mantel Clock with Floral Champlevé Enamel
Located in London, GB
Antique French Japonisme mantel clock with floral Champlevé enamel
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 51cm, width 27.5cm, depth 22cm
Beautifully wrought from patinated bronze and champlevé enamel, this mantel clock is designed in the Japonisme style. The style was popular in 19th Century Europe following the opening of Japan to trade and cultural exchange.
The clock stands on four cabriole feet, with a pierced Japanese style apron to the bottom. The central case is stepped, with the main section of rectangular profile, and mounted with pierced patinated bronze vines...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century Ormolu Mantle Clock, Louis XVI Style
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century Louis XVI style gilded Bacchus influenced ormolu mantel (fireplace) clock depicting three putti rolling a barrel on the back of a cloven hoofed putti. The ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Ormolu Clocks for Sale on 1stDibs
Antique ormolu clocks and other decorative objects can be incorporated into a variety of spaces, and while demand for the material and/or technique was at its peak in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries — older French ormolu clocks are especially coveted today — ormolu is still widely loved by contemporary designers and collectors.
What is ormolu?
Ormolu is a brilliant form of decorative trickery. To the untrained eye, ormolu clocks, jewelry boxes and other ormolu furniture and decor look like they're made of solid gold. But those in the know recognize ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — as having been essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
“Most commonly, ormolu refers to a bronze object that has been covered with gold, typically 18 karat or 24 karat,” explains Jamie Sinai, director of the antiques specialist Mayfair Gallery, in London. “For that reason, ormolu is sometimes called gilt bronze or, in French, bronze doré. Strictly speaking, however, the term ormolu also denotes the technique of applying gold to a metal.”
“The word comes from the French or moulu, which translates as ‘ground or powdered gold’ — the form the gold takes before it is applied to a metal surface.”
From the court of King Louis XVI to that of Napoleon I, the French elite snapped up furniture mounted with ormolu, as well as sconces, candelabra and table lamps made from the material.
If you're looking to bring a touch of this 19th-century pizzazz to your desk, an antique ormolu desk clock is a decorative touch that blends ornament and functionality. The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier. Indeed, an ormolu clock is an object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. (This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles!)
Today, antiques collectors and interior designers seek out the finest in antique ormolu clocks and continue to prize ormolu for its extraordinary craftsmanship and history-infused glamour.
“This wondrous material was highly sought after in France as the ultimate luxury. It magically resembled solid gold and sparkled under candlelight,” says Sinai.
Find antique ormolu desk clocks, wall clocks, mantel clocks and other furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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