Double-Sided French Ormolu Portico Clock

This important Napoleon III annular dial mantel clock is distinguished by its pendulum movement–a feature rarely seen in annular dial clocks. The pe...

This resplendent French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock features an extraordinarily detailed scene of a singing troubadour with his lyre along a rocky river bank. Accompanied by a wi...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

This important glass-fronted French Empire great wheel skeleton clock has the remarkable ability to run with incredible accuracy for more than a week on a single winding. The large central wheel and the rare combination of the pin-wheel escapement and knife-edge suspension allow for a longer, more accurate running time than most clocks of the period. The clock is further distinguished by the inclusion of a concentric calendar dial and Roman numeral chapter ring set amidst a stunning floral halo of gilt bronze fretwork, all mounted on a bronze-wrapped marble base. In such fine, working condition, and with the inclusion of a period glass dome, this clock is exemplary of the finest French skeleton...

An exceptional French mid 19th century Charles X period ormolu portico clock. The clock is raised by fine bun feet below the rectangular base with an elegant mottled design and richl...

Portico style French tulipwood clock with Boulle style fine inlays of mother-of-pearl and bronze. Eight day French movement with a grid-iron ormolu pendulum...

In fine condition with eagle finial over an enameled clock dial signed Degre, a fine Paris maker listed in Tardys book of French clockmakers. Flanked by two pairs of urns one white marble and the other black over marble columns wrapped in spiraling gilt bronze vines...

This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...