The clock-making company Raingo Frères built some of the most remarkable timepieces of the 19th century. Best known for its ornate mantel clocks, the company also masterfully crafted other works, such as candelabras and sculptures. Modeled on Renaissance, Byzantine and Empire styles, the company’s gilded garniture is some of the most recognizable artistic work of the 19th century. It displays the elaborate majesty prevalent in aristocratic and royal homes of the period.
Belgian watchmaker and metalworker Zacharie Raingo was the son of a watchmaker, and he took up the trade in his youth. He lived and worked in Belgium until 1813, when he relocated to Paris. During his time in Belgium, Raingo was inspired by Antide Janvier and developed his own planetary pendulum. In 1810, he patented an astronomical clock, a rotating spherical mechanism designed to emulate the behavior of celestial bodies.
In 1823, he founded Raingo Frères with his four sons, Adolphe, Charles, Denis and Dorsant. Established as both an industrial and commercial venture, the company quickly gained notoriety for its bronze work in addition to its fame as a clockmaker. It created works for an array of nobility and royalty, like the Duke of Chartres, King George V of England and Emperor Napoleon III of France, whose collection is now at the Louvre museum in Paris.
The company exhibited its works in the 1867, 1878 and 1889 World’s Fairs in Paris, winning numerous prizes, including a gold medal in 1889. Many museums and private collections boast works by Raingo Frères, including the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris and the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels.
On 1stDibs, find incredible wall clocks, mantel clocks, vases and more by Raingo Frères.
Early 20th Century Gilt and Patinated Bronze Nine-Light Empire Style Chandelier
By Raingo Frères
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Interesting early 20th century gilt and patinated bronze nine-light Empire style chandelier. Three curtain designed ropes run from the top to the body, centred by a large urn, si...
Bronze, Ormolu
English Silver Plate Eight-Light Chandelier, Early 20th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
English Silverplate eight-light chandelier, early 20th century. US wired.
Silver Plate
Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Six-Light Bowl Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This beautiful bowl chandelier is designed in the Empire style, which flourished in France in the period 1804-14, when Napoleon Bonaparte was Emperor. The style is defined as a phase...
Ormolu, Bronze
$4,035
H 27.56 in Dm 16.54 in
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Alabaster and Bronze Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Empire chandelier featuring a sculptural alabaster bowl and six-point illumination. A refined French Empire–style chandelier distinguished by its balanced proportions...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 43 in Dm 27 in
Louis-Philippe Style Gilt Bronze Nine-Light Chandelier, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Louis-Philippe style gilt bronze nine-light chandelier, Circa 1900 Measures: Height 42.5 in. (107.95 cm.), diameter 27 in. (68.58 cm.) Provenance: Property from the Estate of Al...
Bronze
$2,850
H 40.9 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Empire Antique Chandelier Gilt Bronze and Oxidized 9 light early 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine chandelier with flame decoration at center top of amphora shape body. Weapons technology oxidation finish combined with dore bronze of finest quality – just gorgeous creature of...
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.75 in Dm 28.75 in
French 20th Century Art Deco Bronze and Carved Alabaster Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French 20th century Art Deco bronze and carved veined caramel-colored alabaster six-light chandelier. The carved circular alabaster plafonnier, with an interior light, on a floral ...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
$4,250Sale Price|34% Off
H 44 in Dm 25 in
French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass 'Crystal' Nine-Light Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French Louis XV style gilt bronze and cut-glass nine-light chandelier. The elongated body with cut-glass (crystal) pendants surmounted with eight candle arms and a centre fros...
Brass, Bronze
$19,850
H 40 in W 32.75 in D 31 in
A French Belle Époque Gilt Bronze & Patinated Bronze Ten-Light Cherub Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare French Belle Époque gilt bronze and ebonized-patinated bronze ten-light cherub chandelier, with three winged cherubs, each holding a flame light with beaded glas...
Bronze
$2,310
H 18.5 in Dm 28 in
Early 20th Century French Alabaster and Gilt Bronze Pendant or Light Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and practical pendant in beautiful colors. This wonderful and all-handcrafted light fixture from early 1900s Europe is another great example of the quality of the workmanshi...
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century Small Scale French Bronze and Strass Crystal Chandelier
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale bronze chandelier features gadrooned strands of Strass crystals and four elegantly curved arms detailed with Strass crystal pendaloques. Each arm is fitted with a bronze bobeche that sits at the base of each of its four faux candle lights. Finished with a central multi-faceted crystal...
Crystal, Bronze
$78,950Sale Price|41% Off
H 71 in W 47 in D 37 in
Palatial French 19th/20th Century Louis XIV Style Gilt-Bronze Orante Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Large French Belle Epoque 19th/20th Century Louis XIV Style Twelve-Light Gilt-bronze Figural Chandelier with frosted glass shades. The ovoid shaped body with scrolled...
Bronze
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 36.5 in Dm 37.63 in
Large French Early 20th Century Art-Deco Bronze and Carved Alabaster Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large French early 20th century Art-Deco bronze and carved veined ivory-colored alabaster six-light chandelier. The carved circular alabaster plafonnier with a floral bronze apron ...
Alabaster, Bronze
Sold
H 32.5 in W 15 in D 11.5 in
Pair 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Blue Enamel Five Light Sconces
By Raingo Frères
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large and impressive gilt bronze sconces cast by Raingo Freres of Paris have five lights with figures of cherubs atop blue enameled globes decorated with stars, and fram...
Bronze
Sold
H 38.5 in W 18 in D 11.5 in
19th Century Pair of French Ormolu Wall Lights in the Louis XVI Style
By Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
A pair of French ormolu wall lights in the Louis XVI style by Raingo Frères Constructed in gilt bronze; the three arms of serpentine form ...
Bronze, Ormolu