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Material: 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
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
Very Large French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very large French Louis XV style ormolu mantel clock
French, circa 1880
Measures: Height 98cm, width 50cm, depth 27cm
This fine 19th century clock is unusually large, standing a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This wonderfully ornate gilt bronze mantel clock is covered with fine sculptural decoration, including female busts, architectural motifs and stylized foliage. With its wealth of cla...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Rococo Pedestal Clock, after Riesener
By Jean-Henri Riesener, Paul Garnier
Located in London, GB
This exquisite gilt bronze-mounted pedestal clock is the creation of the famed French clockmaker Paul Garnier (1801-1861). Garnier worked in Paris during the first half of the 19th C...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu garniture set
By Baccarat
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 ...
Category
19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
A Louis XVI Style Mantel Fine Gilt-Bronze Clock by François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Very Fine Gilt-Bronze Clock With A White Marble Base by François Linke.
The case signed 'Linke'.
This rare example of a clock by François Linke has a twin train eight-day mov...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
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
Early 19th Century Sèvres Neoclassical Ormolu and Bisque Porcelain Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Directoire clock attributed to Sèvres. Beautifully sculpted biscuit porcelain in white and Wedgwood blue jasper ware col...
Category
Early 19th Century French Directoire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted Black and White Marble Mantel Clock, Paris, 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Louis XVI ormolu-mounted black and white marble mantel clock, Paris, 1800.
The white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals is contained ...
Category
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine 19th century French gilt bronze mounted Rouge marble 3-piece figural clock set
Clock:
Height: 19.5"
Width: 10.5"
Candelabras:
Height: 22.5"
Width: 9"
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
English Regency Mahogany Bracket Clock by Moore of Ipswich
Located in London, GB
A fine English Regency brass inlaid mahogany striking bracket clock. Of good color and restrained decoration. Dial signed Moore of Ipswich. Double fusee movement with anchor escapement.
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Monumental 19th Century French Three-Piece Ormolu Clock Garniture
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality monumental gilt bronze three-piece clock garniture.
Comprising a fine quality large gilt bronze eight-arm figural rococo candelabra a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock
French, early 19th Century
Measures: Height 52cm, width 28cm, depth 17.5cm
This superb Empi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and high quality French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock, signed Veibel a Lyon. This stunning clock is raised on Ormolu topie shaped feet supporting a rectangular marble base. The base is decorated with finely chased Ormolu plaques on three sides, in the manner of Clodion, and with delicate beaded frames. Standing on the base are four Ormolu Doric columns leading up to the Carrara marble entablature decorated with Ormolu pegasi and finely chased beaded trim bands. From the entablature hangs the enameled clock face and mechanism, adorned with a delicate Ormolu frame and richly chased hanging drapery featuring a foliate movements, mythical creatures, and a lovely female mask atop the wonderful sunburst pendulum. All original gilt throughout.
Veibel a Lyon, also known as "Weibel", was an 18th century master clock maker based in Lyon, France. Established in 1783, Veibel began his career by crafting exceptional table clocks and pocket watches. Later he specializes in astronomical regulators...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Charles X Period Gilt-Bronze and Malachite Sculptural Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Charles X period gilt-bronze and malachite sculptural mantel clock.
French, c.1830.
Measures: height 55cm, width 40cm, depth 18cm.
Mounted by a seated maiden in robes with books to her feet upon a circular dial with enamelled chapter ring, and set on a base with further bronze icons and acanthus darting, this excellent piece is a large mantel clock...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock
By Samuel Marti
Located in Amersham, GB
An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock. The eight-day two train bell striking movement, with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement and stamped with S. Marti et Cie MEDAILLE D'ARGENT. 1889 roundel and serial number 647 to backplate.
The dial formed as a deep blue and gold flecked enamel dome applied with gilt Roman numerals and stars set within billowing clouds interspersed with sunburst rays. Applied with three patinated bronze cherubs in flight, around the dial attending to a floral garland.
Amongst the clouds can be found a pair of doves, a horn and arrows, a quiver and bow. This coupled with the cherubs and flower garland would suggest this clock was made as a love token or wedding present. The symbolism of love, marriage and fertility, the cherubs representing the three Greek Erotes...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture
French, late 19th century
Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm
Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
This wonde...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An impressive French 19th century Neoclassical Lyre-form clock with jeweled pendulum.
Amazing quality white and yellow marble 19th century French Lyre-Form clock mounted all over with gilt bronze...
Category
1850s French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair of French 18th Century Louis XV Period Cartel Clock and Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and large scale pair of French 18th century Louis XV period cartel clock and barometer signed Le Roy & Cie, Paris. Each ormolu case has a exquisite a symmetrical design with scrolled foliate movements amidst richly chased branches and flowers. At the center are the original enameled dials one being the clock and the other being the barometer. Each dial is surrounded by an ormolu lattice design while above are period scenes of a gentleman courting a maiden. The young man stands above the young maiden playing a flute while she sits below reading the sheet music. Two sheep seem to be enjoying themselves listening to the music being played.
Julien Le Roy (1686-1759) was a major 18th-century Parisian clockmaker and watchmaker. Born in Tours in 1686, by the age of 13, he had already made his first clock. In 1699, he moved to Paris further training. He became maitre horloger in 1713 and later juré of his guild. Further appointments followed, including the Directorship of the Société des Arts, but the pinnacle of his achievement was being appointed clockmaker (Horloger Ordinaire du Roi) toking Louis XV in 1739. He carried on his business from Rue du Harlay until his death in 1759. His son Pierre Le Roy...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI Period Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI period gilt bronze mounted malachite clock
French, late 18th century
Measures: Height 50cm, width 34.5cm, depth 13.5cm
This fine mantel clock was produced during the e...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Malachite, Silvered and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This spectacular clock set is based on the works of the esteemed Neoclassical artist James Pradier (French, 1790-1852), whose sculptures can be found in nearly all of Paris's major m...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Gilt Bronze, Marble and Tole Revolving Dial Clock
By Francois Vion
Located in London, GB
This exquisite mantel clock was designed in the 19th century in France, inspired by an earlier model by François Vion, a famous Parisian metalworker of the 18th century. In this design, as in Vion’s, the Three Graces are depicted holding up a spherical clock...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Tôle, 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...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Art Deco Ormolu and Onyx Boudoire Clock in the Shape of a Perfume Bottle
By Juvenia
Located in London, GB
A very rare and unusual boudoire clock in the form of a scent bottle. The case made of gilded bronze and onyx with a lovely dial of mother of pearl with a fine hand painted dial centre and the hours picked out in gilt. The time is told through two blued steel hands. The time is adjusted and the clock is wound through moving the top of the bottle so no holes or keys of any kind are visible. On the back of the bottle in gilt bronze there is the play on the famous perfume Chanel No. 5 by engraving on the back "Le Numero 7 de Juvenia" (a very famous Swiss clock...
Category
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, 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
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, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French Japanism Champleve Enamel Ormolu Mounted Clock, Christofle & Cie, 1800s
Located in New York, NY
French Japanism Champlevé Enamel Ormolu Mounted Clock, Christofle & Cie. The clock consists of a spherical champlevé enamel body mounted in an ormolu structure. The enamel surface i...
Category
19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
A Directoire Ormolu with black marble French pillar clock, three and a half inch enamel dial with Roman numerals signed ‘Viven Fils a Epernay’ with...
Category
1790s French Directoire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Pink Marble & Ormolu 3 Piece Clock Garniture Set, Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Pink Marble and Ormolu 3 Piece Clock Garniture Set, Circa 1880-1890.
Clock: 18" High x 8" Wide x 5 1/2" Deep
Candelabra (2): 13" High x 10...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Pink Porcelain Clock with Cupid & Romantic Emblems
By Japy Frères
Located in London, GB
A Symbolic clock in the Louis XVI style
By Japy Fréres et Cie.
The finely chased ormolu case encompassing pink porcelain panels decorated with beads to the face and sides; the wh...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Large 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu Female Mask Wall Clock, "Juhel à Paris"
Located in Berlin, DE
18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Female Mask Wall Clock, sign. "Juhel à Paris"
The ormolu cartouche-shaped case surmounted by a twin-handled neoclas...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri 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 ...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Malachite Louis XVI Clock
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and malachite Louis XVI clock
French, late 18th century
Measures: Height 69cm, width 36cm, depth 13.5cm
This fine Louis XVI mantel clock is wrought from malachite and gilt bronze. The malachite veneer is a later, beneficial refinishing. The clock features a plinth-form malachite base supporting four malachite columns, each with a gilt bronze capital. The columns raise an ornately shaped top, which is inset with a circular white enamel dial and is surmounted by urn-form finials. Beneath the dial is suspended an ornately cast and finished gilt bronze drapery...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock
French, late 19th Century
Height 63cm, width 28cm, depth 10cm
This elegant cartel clo...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Eclectic Style Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique eclectic style gilt bronze clock set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Clock height 78cm, width 36cm, depth 24cm, candelabra height ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Three Piece Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt bronze and porcelain three piece clock garniture by Raingo Freres. The circular gilt and 'jewel' decorated porcelain dial of the clock with Roman numerals an...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV St. Grandfather Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and extremely high quality French mid-19th century Louis XV st. kingwood, tulipwood, and ormolu grandfather clock. The clock is raised by a fine scalloped shaped kingwo...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Ormolu Mantle Clock in Orientalist Motif
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century French Ormolu Mantle Clock in "Orientalist" Motif, circa 1850, a romantic movement/Orientalist ormolu clock with ornate baroque case surmounted by an Arabic rider on rearing steed, with sabre drawn overhead, an enamel dial with Roman numerals, bell-strike mechanism by F.L. Hausburg, Paris, and marked on dial "Medaille d'Argent, Vincenti and Cie...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Moorish Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze, Rouge Marble and Jewelled Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This majestic three-piece clock set is truly a sight to behold, and features beautifully contrasting rouge marble, gilt bronze and glittering jewels. The set comprises a central cloc...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
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
A Japonisme Gilt-Bronze and Brass Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
A Japonisme gilt-bronze and brass three-piece clock set
French, Late 19th Century
Clock: height 52cm, width 31cm, depth 12cm
Candelabra: height 55cm, width 32cm, depth 9cm
Made in F...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Honoré Pons
By Honoré Pons
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a truly beautiful piece of design, crafted by the leading early 19th century French clock-maker, Pierre-César Honoré Pons. Honoré Pons...
Category
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu and silvered bronze clock, signed Pfeñinger, Zurich. The clock is centered by a striking f...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Clock by Raingo Freres
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, the enameled dial signed "Raingo Freres A Paris", the movement stamped "Raingo Freres," strike on bell, the case surmounted by two cherubs, put...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
'Three Graces, ' Three-Piece Lapis and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This garniture comprises three pieces: a mantel clock and two flanking candelabra, the entire ensemble designed and ornamented in an ornate neoclassical style. The garniture is composed of gilt bronze and lapis lazuli, with the lapis elements being a later addition.
The mantel clock, which is supported by a lapis trefoil form base set on its sides with gilt bronze pierced foliate mounts, the gilt bronze contrasting beautifully with the lapis lazuli, contains a figural group of the three graces, sculpted from bronze and exquisitely gilded. The trio holds above their heads the spherical clock...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
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
19th Century French Louis XV Rococo Style Ormolu & Porcelain Mantle Clock
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and most attractive 19th century French Louis XV Rococo Style ormolu and porcelain mantle clock, modelled as an urn with floral finial and goat head masks to the sides, o...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Charles X Style Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock with Horse and Jockey
Located in London, GB
Charles X Style ormolu and malachite mantel clock with horse and jockey
French, 19th Century
Height 56cm, width 34cm, depth 14cm.
This exceptional piece is a fine ormolu-mounted and malachite mantel clock, with a movement made and stamped by Leroy and Pailly, dating to c.1840. Made in the Charles X style, this work exhibits the timeless combination of gilt-bronze and malachite to great effect, mounting the fine 19th century movement within a later malachite addition, surmounted in turn by a superb statue of horse and jockey. Further gilt elements decorate the case and the base. Exemplifying some of the best in antique clock making, and finished with a rare and impressive equestrian sculpture, it is the perfect collector's piece for those with a love of either horses, antique timepieces...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Sèvres Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This magnificent five-piece clock set is designed in the style of 18th century porcelain produced by the famous Sèvres Manufactory in France. The set is comprised of a mantel clock, a pair of flanking vases—which double-up as candelabra—and two candlesticks. The five items are crafted from ‘bleu Sèvres’ (navy) colored porcelain, which has been finely parcel gilt, jewelled and painted, and mounted in gilt bronze (ormolu).
The mantel clock is composed of a circular porcelain dial, with a central painting of cherubs in flight, encircled by black Roman Numerals within white medallions. This is set within a gilt bronze bezel, crowned by a porcelain lidded urn, fitted with gilt bronze satyr head handles, draped with flower swags, and topped by a gilt bronze grape cluster finial. The clock case is supported on four porcelain columns, which are surmounted by a gilt bronze pinecone-tipped staff, draped with tasselled fabrics. A gilt bronze sculpture of a dancing Maenad (also called a Bacchante)—a female follower of the classical god of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus (or Bacchus). The woman plays the tambourine and is accompanied by a putto. The clock is placed on a shaped gilt bronze base, with two projecting scrolled wings, decorated with gilt bronze acanthus leaves and porcelain patera. The base is mounted with porcelain paintings of classical trophies, and putti within a gilt bronze cartouche frame. It is set on two gilt bronze feet, which are decorated with pointed porcelain covers and gilt bronze rosettes.
Depending on personal preference, the vases that accompany the clock can be left as they are or made to serve as candelabra. When vases, they are topped by porcelain domed lids, with gilt bronze grape finials. To turn the items into candelabra, these lids are replaced by gilt bronze covers. Each cover is fitted with six gilt bronze branches—five of which are scrolling and decorated with acanthus leaves, and one extends upwards in a straight line. These terminate in wide drip-pans and urn-shaped capitals. The porcelain vase bodies feature fine paintings of couples courting in garden settings, and they are fitted with gilt bronze cherub head...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very pleasing early 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, have a classical maiden standing in front of a mirror, with a pedestal supporting a vase of flowers. The white e...
Category
19th Century French Romantic Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Architecturally Formed Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French architecturally formed ormolu mantel clock
French, 19th Century
Height 52cm, width 28cm, depth 17cm
This beautiful Baroque style mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze. The highly detailed case takes the form of a piece of miniaturised architecture: a campanile of sorts, the top level contains the clock dial while the lower level, approached by shallow steps, is flanked by figurative sculptures and culminates in a bas relief frieze...
Category
19th Century French Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Belle Époque Period Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period ormolu clock signed by Raingo Frères. The clock is raised by lovely mottled feet with a floral desig...
Category
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Malachite Allegorical Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 50m, width 21cm, depth 14cm
This fine mantel clock is an excellent ex...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, 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
Large Baroque Style Austrian Ormolu Mounted Musical Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Baroque style Austrian ormolu mounted musical clock
Austrian, early 19th Century
Total height: 211cm
Clock: Height 135cm, width 86cm, depth 52
Stand: Height 76cm, width 81c...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large French Art Nouveau Mantel Clock and Garniture
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Large French Art Nouveau Mantel Clock and Garniture
This impressive clock set features a woman and child holding a floral branch with a bird perched above.
A striking centrepiece...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass, Ormolu, Spelter
A Louis XVI Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Garniture
By Jollet & Cie
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Garniture, Comprising a 'Pendule à Cercles Tournants' Modelled with the Three Graces and a Pair of Cherub Four-Light Cand...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, 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.