French Antique Ormolu Automaton Clock of the Torre De Belém

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...

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 ...

This striking and highly detailed mantel clock is made entirely of ormolu, and is surmounted by the figure of an Eastern nobleman. He wears typical dress of his location and period: ...

French gilt bronze mounted marine themed automaton mantel clock French, circa 1850 Measures: With glass dome and base height 90 cm, width 70 cm, depth 33 cm Clock without dome and...

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...

An attractive Parisian mantle clock in the Louis XVI manner Retailed by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Constructed in Carrar...

Massive Chinese Ormolu High Relief Bronze Elephant Automaton Music Bracket Clock A truly magnificent Chinese Guangzhou studio automaton clock , large triple deck body supported on the back of four elephants , extremely ornate bronze case, floral relief, paste-set around the automaton windows and dial, ormolu bronze case, automaton glass waterfall and swimming ducks on the front and both sides, music plays hourly, palm trees on each corners spins as part of the automaton as well. Case: heavy bronze with ormolu gold gilt with large elephants Dial: porcelain dial with Roman numerals Clock Mechanism: 8 day mechanical movement with quarter striking, with studio mark Automaton: plays hourly, 3 large windows on the low deck showing spinning twisted glass tube to imitate waterfall, horizontal glass tubes made to look like river with animating ducks, very impression automaton, palm trees on the corners of upper decks rapidly spin as part of the automaton, 2 ribbons spinning on the center of top double gourd. Music box playing to accompany the automaton, making it a treat for both eyes and ears. Condition: clock is currently cleaned and in proper working order, automaton and music are playing properly as well, however, a professional adjustment is highly recommended after delivery. Literature: From the time the first clocks were brought to China from Europe around 1582, the Chinese Emperors were fascinated with European mechanical clockworks. As objects of curiosity and items of luxury, these early clocks incorporated mechanisms including music and animated figures. European clocks were called "zimingzhong' or "self-sounding bells...

A superb and substantial ormolu clock from a design by the 18th century bronze founder Robert Osmond and made by the famous Compagnie des Bronze of Bruss...