Ormolu Clocks
to
40
840
3
57
761
22
3
18
1
6
1
232
75
73
53
32
19
7
4
3
3
2
1
6,629
4,101
1,607
1,604
1,093
538
279
824
773
28
28
7
Height
to
Width
to
843
843
843
18
12
9
9
8
Material: Ormolu
French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris
Located in London, GB
A French Directoire ormolu mounted black marble portico clock of Egyptian temple form. Set upon ormolu toupee feet with a rectangular black marble base. Black marble columns rise up ...
Category
1790s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu
Chinoiserie Style Gilt-Bronze and Enamel Figural Clock
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A rare Chinoiserie style gilt-bronze and enamel figural clock.
This elegant and sophisticated clock has a finely chiselled gilt-bronze case with gold and enamel highlights. It dep...
Category
19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock
French, late 19th Century
Dimensions: Height 18cm, width 10cm, depth 8.5cm
The carriage clock is of rectangular form an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French ormolu and hand painted porcelain on a cobalt blue ground
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and blue porcelain mantel clock. The blue porcelain with blue ground and decorated with swags of flowers and having jewelling...
Category
1870s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Clock in the Louis XVI Taste
Located in London, GB
A mantle clock in the Louis XVI taste by Raingo Freres, Paris
Constructed in gilt bronze, and dressed with Bleu Celeste framed porcelain panels, decorated in polychromes, in the '...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu Clock Signed 'Raingo Freres, Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and patinated bronze clock, signed Raingo Frères Paris. The clock is ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 50cm, width 19cm, depth 13cm
This wonderful mantel clock, crafted entirely from gilt bronze, is a magnificent example of the Louis XVI style. The clock is designed about the motif of the lyre—a popular form for Louis XVI style clocks. The clock features a stepped plinth-form base, raised on four bun feet. The base supports the clock case itself, which is wrought to resemble a lyre: the dial is set into the body of the lyre, while the twin lyre arms spring from the shoulders of the case. The arms are joined above by a garland held by scrolled swan’s head finials, between which is situated an Apollo sunburst mask. The gilt bronze surrounding the dial is richly moulded with scrolled forms and grasping acanthus leaves. The dial itself, with a pierced centre, features Arabic numeral hour marks on individual circular enamel cartouches.
The movement is signed ‘Le Roy a...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock by Wilson & Gander, London
By Wilson & Gandar
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilded ormolu mantel clock with blue hand painted floral porcelain panels (the panels all separately signed ‘Creilliet Montereai, Medaillon D’or, ...
Category
1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Ormolu Clock Stamped ‘DENIERE A PARIS”
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu clock stamped 'DENIERE A PARIS". The clock is raised by square tapered fluted feet with fine...
Category
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils
French, c. 1810
Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm
This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers
Located in New York, NY
19th c. French Gilt Dore Bronze Chinoiserie Clock possibly made for the Chinese market. The intricately dressed figures are highly detailed wi...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large 19th Century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu clock set.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A spectacular French 19th Century Rouge marble and gilded ormolu clock garniture, having a beautiful seated Madian holding an oil lamp above masked bracket supports with ring handles...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
KPM Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Rococo Style Clock Set
Located in London, GB
KPM porcelain and gilt bronze Rococo style clock set
German, late 19th century
Measures; Clock on base: Height 51cm, width 36cm, depth 17cm
Candelabra: Height 47cm, width 27cm, de...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
$33,304 / set
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Portique Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu Portique clock, signed "Tiffany'. Raised by a marble base with ormolu topie shaped supports. Above are two columns decorated by finely chased floral ormolu mounts. The columns are flanked by two fluted tapering ormolu design elements. The enamel dial has a foliate garland at the center and ormolu pendulum. At the top crown is an ormolu floral basket with two lovebirds...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and Ormolu Longcase Clock, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and ormolu longcase clock, circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI Marble Mantle Clock by Jean-Nicolas Schmit
Located in New Orleans, LA
A horologic masterpiece of precision and beauty, this neoclassical marble and ormolu mantle clock is an extraordinary example of late 18th-century French clockmaking by the famed Jea...
Category
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Marble Clock signed "lefebure fres 5 rue Beranger"
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 19th century Rouge Griotte marble and gilt bronze clock in the Louis XVI style decorated with gilt bronze motifs, of rectangular form the painted floral porcelain white e...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Ormolu
Classical 19th Century French Crystal + ormolu mantle clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A classical crystal 19th Century French Empire style portico mantle clock, with a gilded ormolu Eagle, white enamel clock face and four column supports engraved decoration and a plin...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Marble, Gilt, and Patinated Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece clock set by Barbedienne
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 93cm, width 60cm, depth 28cm
Candelabra: Height 97cm, width 46cm, depth 33cm
This monumental marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece set is a stunning example of Barbedienne's craftsmanship during the Parisian Belle Époque. Paul Dubois' 'Le Courage Militaire...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Louis XVI Period Neoclassical Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI period neoclassical ormolu and malachite mantel clock
French, Late 18th Century
Measures: Height 53cm, width 36cm, depth 14cm
Encaps...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, 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
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
A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock, comprising a central drum-shaped clock with a sunburst pendulum, surmounted by the gilded figure of Athena wearing armour with a plu...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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 Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Clock with a Love Scene
Located in Lantau, HK
A French late 19th century gilt-bronze (ormolu) mantel clock in the Rococo style. This trapeze-shaped clock is supported by four scroll feet, the lower part of the piece is symmetric...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Orientalist Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
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: ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble and Finely Chased Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. marble and finely chased ormolu clock. The clock is raised on six ormolu topie shaped feet below the white Carrara marble base with scrolled foliate ormolu mounts and beaded border. Perched above is a charming winged cherub holding up an arrow. At each side are lovely ormolu maidens draped in classic attire with their flowing hair, holding up a floral wreath. Centered is the ormolu clock with paw feet fluted and scrolled designs at the base and swaging foliate garland. Above the enamel dial is decorated with a winged cherub bust...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
French Charles X Clock with Bust of Apollo
Located in London, GB
French Charles X patinated bronze, ormolu and black marble clock with bust of Apollo. Very well proportioned clock with a fine bronze taken from the classical marble of Apollo. The bronze was created by the feted Paris bronziers of Choiselat and Gallien who also made some of the fine bronze clocks of "Jason and the Golden fleece...
Category
1830s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Siena Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$5,342 / set
French Charles X Period Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Patinated Bronze
Located in London, GB
A very smart and stylish antique French Charles X period mantel clock in ormolu and patinated bronze with original ormolu throughout and surmounted by a fine ormolu urn on a stepped base. The clock signed on the dial "Mallet Hr. de Mg le Duc d'Orleans". The clock is set on decorated ormolu block feet and is constructed of patinated bronze with ormolu mouldings and applied ormolu mounts. A fine ormolu moulding is above the base and above this is a fine mount of a lyre surrounded by volumes of book and laurel. To the top of the clock is a superb ormolu urn decorated with scenes of putti playing, or holding an arrow of love or patting the dog...
Category
1820s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Frenc Marble Clock with Patinated Bronze Grand Tour Sculpture of the Arrotino
Located in London, GB
Antique French Sienna marble and ormolu clock with patinated bronze Grand Tour sculpture of the Arrotino (the "Blade-Sharpener"). From the late Charles X period the clock is construc...
Category
1820s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Siena 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
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 Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
English Regency Antique Miniature Mantel Clock in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu
Located in London, GB
A small and unusual patinated bronze and ormolu English Regency mantel clock. Set on four feet the shaped base with ormolu mounts. A putti stands beside the clock housing with his arm raised. The clock is surmounted by a gilt bronze finial. The convex white enamel dial is in fine condition. The 30 hour fusee...
Category
1810s English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Bourdin À Paris Figural Ormolu Mantel Clock, circa 1890
By Bourdin
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Bourdin French figural gilt bronze mantel clock, depicting two women seated on the plinth with garland decoration and a c...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Patinated Bronze Putto Seated on a Gilt Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A Majestic patinated bronze putto seated on a gilt mantel clock.
Modelled with a seated putto holding two doves, the putto leaning over a gilt mantel clock with garland, surmounted ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Unusual 19th Century French rotary Clock Garniture
Located in Tarzana, CA
A rare and very fine 19th century French Louis XVI style ormolu mounted white marble 3-piece Rotary (Annular) clock set comprising a clock and a pair of 3 arms candelabra.
The urn s...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
$29,500 / set
French Mid 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock, by Bardon, Montpellier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu clock, by Bardon, Montpellier. The clock has two love birds on the left looking over to a patinated bronze cupid, standing pro...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu Clock, 'Signed Lepaute Paris'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. signed 'Lepaute, Paris' ormolu clock. The clock with a superb chasing throughout has all of its original gilt. Raised ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
A Fine 18th Century Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century mahogany and ormolu mounted bell top bracket clock. The 8-day movement with finely engraved back plate and the full brass dial signed Pennington, Drury Lane
Circa 178...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
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 Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Signed French Louis XVI Mantle Clock
Located in New York, NY
A French white marble and gilt bronze mantel clock. Signed A. Paris on face.
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Fine and Rare French Empire Clock of Cupid as Magician Uncovering Flaming Hearts
Located in London, GB
Fine and rare French Empire ormolu clock of Cupid as magician, uncovering flaming hearts with the 3 cup trick. The shaped base with four tal...
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Ormolu and Green Marble Mantel Clock, Maple & Co, Paris
By Samuel Marti
Located in Norwich, GB
Ormolu And Green Marble Mantel Clock, Maple & Co Ltd, Paris
Ormolu and Verde marble mantel clock depicting a beautifully cast maiden studying her ...
Category
1880s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Neoclassical 18th Century Ormolu and Marble Lyre Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical 18th Century ormolu and marble lyre clock
French, Louis XVI period
Height 64m, width 27cm, depth 12cm
This exquisite mantel clock was ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, 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 Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Cobalt-Blue Painted Porcelain Clockset
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Sèvres style gilt bronze and cobalt-blue 'Jeweled' painted porcelain clockset.
The central clock case surmounted by a ruby and pearl 'jeweled' coupe flanked by bracket...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Clock Set Marble Champleve Garniture Belle Epoque 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous French three-piece clock set embellished with marble and ormolu mounts together with champlevé enamel
Circa 1880
In full working order with mercury pendulum
Bought from a de...
Category
1880s French Provincial Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
French, 19th Century
Height 30cm, width 18cm, depth 14.5cm
This fine mantel clock is of rectangular form, with a gilt bron...
Category
19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectang...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, 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
Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI architectural gilt bronze and malachite clock
French, late 18th century
Measures: Height 53cm, width 35.5cm, depth 11cm
Crafted from ormolu and a later malachite venee...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Sevres style porcelain panelled mantle clock, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu mantel clock with hand painted Sevres style porcelain plaques, depicting beautiful maidens. Having a porcelain lidded urn to the...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
Rococo style gilt bronze mounted porcelain clock garniture
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 13...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Biedermeier Period Wood and Gilt Clock
Located in Montreal, QC
Austrian Biedermeier period gilt and polychromed wood clock. Chiseled gold Swiss movement, signed: P.Francois a' Nion.
Category
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
$1,850 Sale Price
61% Off
Rare Orientalist Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Rare orientalist gilt bronze mantel clock by Denière et Fils
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 54cm, width 40cm, depth 18cm
This beautiful mantel clock is crafted from gilt br...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time
Located in London, GB
Fabulous antique French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying off time. This has to be one of my all time favourite French Empire or Charles X period mantel clocks. Enti...
Category
1820s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
English Victorian Ormolu Horseshoe Clock in Original Box
Located in London, GB
An English ormolu horseshoe clock in the manner of Thomas Cole. Small 3/4 plate movement with dust covers to rear for wind, adjust and regulate. Fine original silvered bronze dial wi...
Category
1860s English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mounted Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This three-piece clock and candelabra set is formed of malachite and is fitted with gilt and patinated bronze mounts. The malachite base of th...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
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
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 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.
More Ways To Browse
Clocks With Birds
Deniere A Paris
English Regency Clocks
Green Marble Clock
Library Clock
Louis Xv Boulle Clock
Pink Mantel Clock
Portico Marble Clock
Psyche Clock
Regency Bracket Clock
Antique Calendar Clocks
Antique Guilloche Miniature Clock
Art Nouveau Bronze Clock
Clock Horse
French Art Deco Mantle Clock
Inlaid Grandfather Clock
Le Roy Paris
Mantel Clock With Angel Gold