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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock
Located in New York, NY
The large and elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble figural clock features a rectangular stepped base of dark green marble, raised on four gilt bronze feet cast with ...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set
Located in London, GB
Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set French, Late 19th Century Clock: height 38cm, width 23cm, depth 16cm Vases: height 28cm, width 13cm, d...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style gilt bronze and malachite mantel clock French, late 19th Century Measures: Height 47cm, width 19cm, depth 19cm This wonderful Louis XVI style mantel clock is designed in malachite and gilt bronze—with the malachite being a later veneer. The clock takes after a famous original 1775 model by Brécourt, known as 'Vase pendule...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs
By Jacques Caffieri
Located in London, GB
Antique French cartel clock of Venus with cherubs French, Late 19th Century Height 120cm, width 55cm, depth 20cm This remarkable cartel clock is inspired by an 18th-century desi...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century French, Louis XVI Style Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu clock garniture, the clock having a classical urn finial with garlands, ribbons and foliate decoration. The white ename...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Egyptian Revival Green Onyx and Bronze Garniture Mantle Clock
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Egyptian Revival green onyx and bronze garniture mantle clock with two obelisks, with the clock mounted and flanked by ormolu sphinxes and all parts of the set featuring...
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19th Century European Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality mid-19th century French Louis XIV st. ormolu clock. The clock is raised by four tapered fluted legs decorated with acanthus leaves. The scalloped shaped c...
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19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Marble and Ormolu Lyre Clock in the Louis XVI Style
Located in London, GB
A French Clock Garniture in the Louis XVI Manner The clock and its accompanying candelabra constructed in gilt bronze mounted Italian Carrara marble; the timepiece with stepped elli...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Empire Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 23.5cm, depth 11cm This mantel clock was finely crafted in the Empire period, wrought from ormolu and a later malachite veneer. The design of the clock is based on classical architecture. It features a malachite entablature—with an ormolu pierced mount to the front—which is supported on four ormolu bun feet. The malachite column shafts are smooth and each culminate in a capital, supporting the malachite top. Between the columns, there is a drum clock...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu garniture set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu garniture set. This wonderful garniture set consists of a clock and pair of urns, raised ...
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19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Grand French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
Constructed in bronze, patinated and gilt; the rectangular form case supported on engraved oblate spherical feet, the frieze dressed with a row of female masks capping pillars, linke...
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19th Century English Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large Antique French Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock with Musical Design Motif
Located in Madrid, ES
A true museum piece, this beautifully sculptural clock could easily find its home in a traditional environment, or be a functional and explosive counterpoint to a minimalist interior...
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19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Ormolu

Grand Figural Cartel Clock, After a Design by Gilles-Marie Oppenord
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Important and Extremely Rare Grand Figural Cartel Clock, After a Design by Gilles-Marie Oppenord. Of grand proportions and of exceptional quality this rare cartel clock is after...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble And Ormolu Clock By Raingo Frères
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and very important French early 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu clock by Raingo Frères. The clock is raised by elegant topie shaped feet with fine wrap around berried laurel bands below the white Carrara marble base with rounded sides decorated with richly chased pierced intertwined berried laurel and blooming flower bands, and a finely detailed central plaque depicting charming cherubs playing musical instruments. Above are two exquisite patinated bronze maidens sitting on a mottled support with lovely foliate designs each draped in wonderfully executed garments and holding a wreath and flowers with a charming winged cherub extending his arms up. At the center is the elegant enameled dial with Arabic hour numerals amidst lovely floral garlands and numbers indicating the date at the border with delicate pierced ormolu hands with a remarkable pieced foliate design at the back. Above is the lightly curved fluted top crown with a stunning array of richly chased branches and blooming flowers in a superb satin and burnished finish. All original gilt and patina throughout. Raingo Fréres, established in 1813 in Paris, specialized in the high precision clock...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Enamel Miniature Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French gilt bronze and enamel miniature carriage clock French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 11cm, width 5.5cm, depth 5cm Case: ...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Champleve Enamel Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality large 19th century French gilded ormolu and Champlevé enamel clock garniture, having cherubs perched on top and to the sides, turned finials and columns. Bright coloured classical motif enamel decoration, flanked by a pair of...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer, Attributed to Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
This stunning gilt bronze clock and barometer pair was created in circa 1860 in France. The two have been attributed to Raingo Frères, the prestigious, ...
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Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI style long case clock.
By Charles Frodsham
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very imposing fine quality 19th Century French longcase clock, having an ormolu casting of Father Time on the hood, the white enam...
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Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

An Exceptional French Japonisme Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Five Piece Clock Set
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An Exceptional French Japonisme Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Five-Piece Clock Set, In the Manner of Edouard Lièvre, circa 1870, Paris. This extraordinary French Japonisme clock set, ...
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19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
The white onyx and gilt bronze three-piece set consists of a central clock, accompanied by two six-light candelabra. The three items were crafted in the 19th century, during the reig...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This neoclassical style French mantel clock is crafted from patinated and gilt bronze in addition to flecked black and grey marble. The clock body is formed from a lopsidedly mounted...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Enameled Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
The contrast between rich blue enamel, in light and dark hues, and bright gilt bronze gives this carriage clock a sumptuous, luxurious feel. With a t...
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19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
The combination of sumptuous, lustrous ormolu and finely decorated Sevres style porcelain makes this mantel clock an exceptional piece. Built in France and retailed by the prestigiou...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Louis XVI style mantel clock, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality French gilded ormolu and white marble, 19th Century Louis XVI style mantel clock, with a classical maiden resting, a bird cage at her feet, a cherub holding a bow and ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

A Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock with “Spaniels” and Cupid, by Noël Bourret
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible 18th Century Period Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock with two “Seated Spaniel” Dog Figures, the Movement by Noël Bourret (1755–1803), Signed Bourret à Paris. The dial is e...
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1780s French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century French Pink Porcelain Clock by Japy Fréres in the Louis XVI Manner
Located in London, GB
A table clock in the Louis XVI Manner By Japy Frères The finely chased ormolu case is dressed with pink 'Sèvres' style hand decorated polychrome panels to the face and sides, dep...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Three-Piece Louis XV Rococo Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Three-piece Louis XV Rococo style porcelain and ormolu clock set French, late 19th century Clock: Height 82cm, width 62, depth 28cm Candelabra: Height 76cm, diameter 22cm Compr...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble clock, by Jean Francois Denière. This stunning clock is raised by four O...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French White Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock in the Louis XVI Style
Located in London, GB
An Impressive Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock In the Louis XVI Manner Constructed from a marble platform with a bronze group above; all confidentl...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Long Case Clock, 1860, by Balthazar, Paris
By André Balthazar 1
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Pendulum clock "Regulateur de parquet" after Jean-Henri Riesener Napoleon III, Paris, circa 1850-1880. Balthazar, Paris. This fine quality late...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock by Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This fine neoclassical style mantel clock will make a sumptuous addition to a grand room, or could be given as a unique gift to a loved one. The clock is the work of Ernest Royer, an...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock. The architectural case composed of two columns supporting a stepped top. The front and back with bevel glazed doors. The enamel clock...
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19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock Stamped in Bronze H. Picard
Located in London, GB
French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock of Classical design dating from the mid-19th century stamped in the mint and original Ormolu H. Picard. Numbered in the bronze, 1297. The original ormolu is in quite pristine and totally original condition. The case inset with painted porcelain panels with fruit and floral decoration in the classical style. The clock surmounted by a Bacchanalian mask and two handled vase with grapes, standing on six vase shaped feet on a velvet plinth...
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1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptionally Rare 18th Century Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant, Snail, and Flower Mantel Clock. The clock drum is painted with floral reserves on a yellow-ground porcelain case, surmounted by a seated monkey modeled in cream-glazed porcelain. The dial is inscribed “MILLOT / Her DU ROY,” referring to the Parisian clockmaker Millot, horloger du roi, and retains its original single-barrel movement with platform lever escapement. The interior of the case bears a stamped “B.” The entire composition is supported by a scrolling structure of polychrome porcelain flowers mounted on ormolu branches, leading to a central Meissen figure seated on a saddled elephant, positioned on an elaborately cast gilt bronze rocaille base. The composition centers around a chinoiserie theme, which was highly fashionable in mid-18th century France, particularly during the reign of Louis XV. In this example, the chinoiserie elements are expressed through the seated porcelain figure in Chinese dress, riding atop a caparisoned elephant with a vibrantly painted red and gold saddle and bright yellow cushion. The elephant, modeled with expressive naturalism, features finely detailed ears, trunk, and legs in Meissen’s distinctive hand-painted porcelain, with further ornamentation in applied gilding. Surrounding the central figure and timepiece is an elaborate framework of metal branches issuing dozens of individually modeled porcelain blossoms. These include peonies, roses, and tulips in various stages of bloom, each petal uniquely hand-shaped and painted in hues of lilac, ivory, pink, and violet, with naturalistic green leaves extending outward on slender bronze stems. The gilt bronze mount is executed in the Rococo taste, with asymmetrical shell forms, Snails, C-scrolls, and foliate scrollwork typical of French bronze work from the Louis XV period. The ormolu is mercury-gilded, a process common in the 18th century which involved the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury to the surface of the bronze, followed by firing to vaporize the mercury. This technique created a matte yet luminous surface, prized for its depth and lasting quality. The ormolu is cast in a deeply three-dimensional style, with scrolled feet and boldly molded foliate ornaments that cradle the base of the Meissen elephant...
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18th Century German Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Rococo Style Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century French gilded ormolu Rococo influenced mantel clock, having wonderful scrolling foliate decoration, the clock face having enamel Roman numerals, an e...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XV Ormolu Clock of Hannibal and Scipio Signed Amant
Located in London, GB
Are antique French Louis XV ormolu mantel clock of Hannibal and Scipio signed Amant. This rare and unusual clock, in extremely fine condition an...
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1770s French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock set, which comprises of a mantel clock and a pair of vases, was designed in France in circa 1870 in a wonderful Renaissance Revival style. The set has been craft...
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Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard
Located in London, GB
This magnificent clock set is the work of celebrated French maker Henri Picard, who collaborated on this fine piece together with the famous firm of clockmakers, Raingo Freres. Both ...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Ormolu Mantel Clock with Champleve Decoration by Japy Freres
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilt ormolu mantle clock with beautiful champlevé decoration with turned pilasters, architectural pediment with four turned finials. Gilded chapter ring with Roman numerals...
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1870s French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Ormolu, White Marble and Tole Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute
By Lepaute, Francois Vion
Located in London, GB
This exceptional mantel clock was created in the early 20th century in France, inspired by an 18th century model by the famous metalworker, François Vion (French, 1737-1790). The clock’s design includes sculptures of the Three Graces holding up a spherical clock with a revolving, or ‘cercle tournant...
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Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze

A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock, circa 1875 Immerse yourself in the splendor of 19th-century French artistry with this monumental and...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
In their elaborate use of C-scrolls, putti figures, stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, this clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in ...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Louis XVI style, Mantel Clock 17"(43cm)
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century French gilded ormolu mantel clock. Having a cherub playing a base violin, a four glass case mounted with ormolu foliate and swag decoration, an eight...
Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This wonderful clock set was created in France in circa 1870, in the late 19th century. The set, which consists of a mantel clock and pair of candelabra is crafted from gilt bronze (...
Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Classical Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century classical French Louis XVI style mantel clock, having gilded ormolu figures of a naked maiden looking in a mirror with two cherubs to her side, above a...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, 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...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Important Early 19th Century Bronze Figural Mantle Clock of Recumbent Cleopatra
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Important Early 19th Century Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Mantle Clock By Andre-Antoine Ravrio and Mesnil Modeled with a large and beautiful gilt bronze figure of recumbent...
Category

Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by H. Picard
Located in London, GB
Comprising a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra, the clock with central circular dial signed 'PICARD / A GENEVE', surrounded by three ormolu cherubs and two porcelain pl...
Category

19th Century Swiss Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Hand-Painted Enamel Carriage Clock with Allegorical Themes
Located in London, GB
A fine cased carriage clock The substantially sized 'Gorge' case houses a lever platform escapement, striking the hours and half hours on a blued st...
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Steel, Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze and Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer set by Gleizes French, 19th Century Height 115cm, width 30cm, depth 7cm In the Louis XV style, t...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Malachite Column Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI style ormolu mounted malachite column mantel clock. French, late 19th century. Measures: height 52cm, width 23cm, depth 20cm. With the cir...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style porcelain and gilt bronze clock set by Barbedienne French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 53cm, width 27cm, depth 24cm Candelabra: Height 56cm, width 19cm, dep...
Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Figural Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Magnificent gilt bronze clock signed Barbadienne founder, rouge Royale marble base.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Unusually Large 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Obelisk Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The movement is contained in an unusually large (67 cm!) white marble obelisk which is surmounted by an armillary sphere finial. The front with a panel chased with nymphs supporting ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Fine Quality French Empire Baccarat Style Crystal Vase Clock, circa 1860
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality French Empire style Baccarat hobnail cut lead crystal glass two handled vase clock with ormolu-mounts, having a white enamel clock face with roman numerals and raised ...
Category

19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Miniature French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock of Soldier
Located in London, GB
Fine miniature French Empire clock in ormolu. Dating from the First French Empire period with original ormolu and with fine enamel dial and movement signed The clock stands upon fine and delicate toupee feet. The the base is an applied ormolu mount of crossed standards tied with ribbon and with laurel branches. To the left of the dial stands a soldier in greatcoat and bearskin chapeau with moustache epaulets and his arm in a sling and a decoration on his breast. He has his left hand raised and resting on a forget-me-not flower and laurel wreath in front of two crossed battle axes. The white enamel convex dial...
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1810s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Figurative Mantel Clock by Dasson
Located in London, GB
Antique patinated bronze and ormolu figurative mantel clock by Dasson French, 1888 Measures: Height 30cm, width 30cm, depth 13cm This fine mantel clock is by the celebrated make...
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1880s French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Clock
Located in Hudson, NY
A very finely cast gilt bronze clock depicting Psyche at her toilet. The reflective mirror of polished bronze and that each element is cast separately then screwed on is an excellent...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Louis XVI Blue Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Clock, Circa 1875-85
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI Blue Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Clock, circa 1875-85.
Category

Late 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.