Ormolu Clocks
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Material: Ormolu
Large Charles X Period Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Charles X period gilt bronze and malachite clock
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 62cm, width 54cm, depth 20cm
This fine mantel clock is a superb example of the Charles...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Turning Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French gilt bronze mounted malachite turning mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 75cm, width 28cm, depth 25.5cm
The malachite mantel clock case is st...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 18th Century Boulle Bracket Clock by Brezagez and Marchand
By Marchand
Located in London, GB
Antique 18th century Boulle bracket clock by Brezagez and Marchand
French, circa 1740
Measures: Clock: Height 87cm, width 47cm, depth 21cm
Bracket: Height 40cm, width 53cm, depth 24cm
Total: Height 127cm
This beautiful 18th century French bracket clock...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Ormolu
Three Piece Alabaster Clock Garniture in the Form of a Neo-Gothic Cathedral
Located in London, GB
This exquisite three-piece alabaster clock garniture consists of a central clock with two flanking vases. The central clock is designed to resemble the shape of a neo-Gothic cathedra...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Alabaster, 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...
Category
19th Century English Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Shagreen and Ormolu Mantel Clock, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very pleasing late 19th century French arched top mantel, carriage clock in green Shagreen, with a gilded ormolu handle to the top, crystal jewels to the bezel, an eight day durati...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Late 19th Century Mathieu Planchon Belle Epoque French Cartel Clock
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine late 19th century French Belle Epoque mounted bronze Dòre flame mahogany Cartel wall clock. The clock features a circular white enamel dial, which is inscribed with both Roman Numerals and Arabic Numbers. beautifully incised gilt hands and convex glass inscribed "Planchon A Paris".
Circa 1880
French
Mathieu Planchon apprenticed with his father, served several years with other clockmakers including Robert-Houdin and then went into business for himself eventually opening his shop at the Palais Royal in 1890. He was a skilled maker who was influenced by both earlier decorative trends and the ingenious clocks originally designed by Nicolas Grollier De Servierè that were illustrated in DeServierè’s catalog .
Antique cartel clocks...
Category
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant and very high-quality French 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu, Bleu Turquin and white Carrara marble clock signed by Jean-Baptiste Dutertre. The clock is rai...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt bronze clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
French, Early 19th Century
Height 45cm, width 29cm, depth 19cm
This superb gilt bronze clock, created by the renow...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Exceptional Late 19th Century Three-Piece Clock Set by Ferdinand Gervais
Located in Long Island City, NY
An exceptional late 19th century gilt bronze-mounted marble three-piece clock set
By Ferdinand Gervais
The lyre shaped case surrounded with bronze roses, acanthus and lilys, a ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene often referred to as "The Astronomy Lesson." A popular motif during this period, Emper...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
French three piece garniture set, signed by the Lemerle-Charpentier foundry
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely detailed and high quality French 19th century Regence st. Ormolu three piece garniture set, signed by the Lemerle-Charpentier foundry. This monumental garniture set cons...
Category
19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Belle Époque Period Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Belle Époque period gilt bronze and enamel clock set
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 46cm, width 23cm, depth 15cm
Vases: Height 29cm, diameter 11.5cm
Candlestic...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
French Mid-19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu clock in the manner of Clodion. The clock is raised by elegant reeded topie shaped feet below the ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Ormolu and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Clock Set in the Louis XVI Manner
Located in London, GB
A clock garniture in the Louis XVI Manner
By Le Roy et Fils
The ormolu clock case and accompanying candelabra dressed with blue 'Sevres' style hand ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large and impressive, good quality 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and bronze clock set. Having a mother and child mounted above the clock, which has an eight day...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Sèvres Style Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock was crafted in circa 1870 in France. Known as a carriage clock, it was designed for use when travelling. Such clocks were crafted on a small scale with handles, ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI gilt bronze and malachite clock
French, late 18th Century
Measures: Height 56cm, width 35cm, depth 12cm
Crafted from gilt bronze and a later malac...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, 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
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Tortoiseshell Bracket Clock by Gros
By Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros
Located in London, GB
Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted tortoiseshell bracket clock by Gros
French, circa 1860
Measures: Clock height 90cm, width 52cm, depth 30cm
Bracket height 44cm, width 55cm, dept...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This truly stunning French mantel clock was crafted during the Empire period, and reflects the Neoclassical interests of the Emperor Napoleon I, whose influence over the decorative arts contributed toward a profound revival of beauties of the ancient empires.
The mantel clock is crafted entirely in gilt bronze, and features a stepped base on four block feet. The base depicts a Classical relief panel to the front, showing female dancing figures and putti, as well as musical instruments. Surmounting the base is an arch featuring a central mask fountain and basin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt bronze decorated with neoclassical symbols ...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, 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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Byzantine Style Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Garniture by Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
Byzantine style gilt bronze and champlevé enamel clock garniture by Raingo Frères
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 55cm, width 34cm, depth 25cm
Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 31cm, depth 28cm
The present clock set is by Raingo Frères, one of nineteenth-century France’s leading producers of luxury clocks...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Napoleon III Period Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Lerolle Frères
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period three-piece gilt bronze clock set by Lerolle Frères
French, c. 1860
Clock: Height 59cm, width 52cm, depth 23cm
Candelabra: Height...
Category
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Metal, Bronze
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 33cm, width 31cm, depth 12cm
This superb mantel clock is a wonderful example of the...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire 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
Napoleon III Clock Garniture Designed by Sévin, Cast by Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt-bronze and porcelain mounted clock garniture, designed by Louis-Constant Sévin, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, The Movement by Japy Frères.
Frédéric Japy ...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Charles X Musical Ormolu Mantel Clock of Gaius Marius Signed Robert Houdi
By Robert Houdin
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare antique French Charles X period ormolu musical mantel clock of Gaius Marius amidst the ruins of Carthage by the noted maker Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin. The superb an...
Category
1820s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915
Located in CH
French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915.
Since the Louis XIV period the use of Bronze Dorée has been synonymous of high quality and has always b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Neo-Gothic antique three piece ormolu clock set
Located in London, GB
The central clock with dial to the center, displaying hours in individual plaques in Roman numerals and five minute intervals engraved into the ormolu case in Arabic numerals, the ca...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by H. Picard
By Henri 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
Fine Gilt-Bronze & Rouge Griotte Marble Table Clock - François Linke Index No 86
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine French 19th Century 'Belle Époque' Gilt-Bronze and Rouge Griotte Marble Table Clock by François Linke (1855-1946) Index Number 86. The clockcase modelled as a tambourine amidst blossoming roses, a mask and fan, on an oval bead-edged marble plinth with recessed panels mounted with fruiting vines, on turned feet, the reverse of the white enamel clock dial with Roman hours and Arabic minutes signed 'F. Linke, Paris', timepiece movement. Circa: Paris, 1895.
François Linke (d. 1946) was awarded the gold medal for his Grand Bureau at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. He was the most celebrated Ébéniste of his time. Born in Bohemia in 1855, he moved to Paris in 1881. He produced furniture of the highest quality at his workshops at 170, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, and established showrooms at 26, Place Vendme. A much simpler version of this commode, with fewer ormolu mounts and with no marquetry, is illustrated in Christopher Payne's "François Linke 1855-1946 The Belle Epoque of French Furniture" Antique Collectors' Club, 2003 Edition, Index 720, Page 498.
Literature
Payne, C., François Linke 1855-1946: The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, 2003, models illustrated pp. 160, 182, 247 and the black and white cliché on p. 487.
Another example of this model was sold at Sotheby's New York, Sale 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture, Ceramics, Silver and Works of Art on April 22, 2010, Lot 448 'Lot 448: FRANÇOIS LINKE 1855 - 1946 A GILT-BRONZE AND ROUGE GRIOTTE MARBLE TABLE CLOCK PARIS, CIRCA 1895, INDEX NUMBER 86' Sold for $10,000 USD
Another example of this model was sold at Christie's New York, Sale '500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe' (PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF RAYMOND AND MIRIAM KLEIN) on October 20, 2011, Lot 146A 'A FRENCH ORMOLU AND ROUGE MARBLE TABLE...
Category
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
A Louis XVI Style Cartel Clock and Barometer After Pierre Gouthière
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and Wedgwood Porcelain Cartel Clock and Companion Barometer, by Maison Millet, Paris, after the model attributed to Pierre Gouthière.
The clock dial is...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 45cm, width 26cm, depth 14.5cm
Candelabra: Height 31.5cm, width 21cm, depth 9cm
This char...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
French 19th Century Champleve enamel mantle clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and Champleve enamel mantle clock. Having a seated cherub above the clock face, and a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, 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
Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire ormolu mantel clock, Belgium, circa 1810, Signed "J.B. Romaet a Gand". Decorated with a shepherd scene. Strikes the hour and half hour on a bell. With enamel clock face and si...
Category
1810s Belgian Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Antique French Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional quality three-piece clock set designed in a grand neoclassical style by 'Domange Rollin Rue de Bretagne Paris'. France.
The set is comprised of a central clock and tw...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
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
Pair of Louis XVI Ormulu Wall Clocks & Barometers
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Louis XVI-style (Mid-19th Century) ormolu wall clock and barometer set each of banjo form with Apollo mask above putti and ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
Belle Époque Period Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock in Moorish Style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock, formed from gilt bronze and porcelain, is designed and decorated in a discernibly Moorish style. The clock is supported by a flat shaped gilt bronze base, the base supporting four gilt bronze columns that support the gilt bronze clock drum. The cylindrical drum contains a circular dial, the dial of porcelain and inscribed with Roman numerals.
The gilt bronze throughout is cast and chased with geometrical motifs—particularly evident on the front of the four vertical columns. These motifs are distinctively Moorish in scheme, the lattice-type geometrical sequences recalling Islamic decorative...
Category
Late 19th Century French Moorish Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze clock set by Picard
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 72cm, width 46cm, depth 27cm
Candelabra: Height 78...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
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
French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French Sevres style porcelain and gilded ormolu clock garniture. Having a pair of cherubs either side of the clock and central urn, classical ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive late 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock. Having three putti mounted to the top each playing musical instruments. The clock having an ei...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Cupid and Psyche
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style gilt bronze mantel clock with cupid and psyche
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 54cm, width 80cm, depth 30cm
This ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Cartel Clock Signed F.Lesage Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Louis XIV st. tortoiseshell, brass and ormolu Cartel Clock signed F.Lesage Paris. The beautiful clock is raised on its orig...
Category
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu Wall Mounted Clock & Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu wall mounted clock and barometer signed by Barbedienne. Each is set in...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Antique Ormolu Mantel Clock by Leroy Commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte
By LeRoy
Located in London, GB
This fine mantel clock is cast entirely in ormolu by celebrated Parisian clockmaker Leroy and commemorates the return of Napoleon's ashes to France in 1840. The clock is set on a rectangular, tiered base with four decorative feet. The lower tier is centred with a sleeping lion above a plaque showing the scarf, sword and hat of Napoleon. There is a relief plaque above the lion showing a ship off St Helena (the location of Napoleon's exile) and to either side further decorations formed as martial trophies. To the top of the plaque is a portrait medallion of Napoleon with winged cherubs and the letter 'N'. The circular dial of the clock, signed 'Leroy a Paris', is set to the centre above the base within an ormolu border and flanked by the figures of France and an eagle to either side. Between them they hold an urn, which bears the inscription 'Ste Helene / 5 Mai 1821'. The figure of France holds a flag inscribed 'France 1840.'
This clock was produced in 1840 by Parisian clockmaker Leroy et fils...
Category
1840s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large Louis XV Style Rococo Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Large Louis XV style Rococo ormolu three-piece clock set by Barbedienne
French, late 19th century
Clock: height 58cm, width 51cm, depth 19cm
Candelabra: height 75cm, width 35cm, d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century Sevres Style Gilded Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful French 19th century gilded ormolu mantel clock, having a putti mounted to the top holding garlands of flowers, draping down the case, Rams heads and urns of flowers. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Gilt Bronze and Hardstone Inlay Napoleon III Period Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and hardstone inlay Napoleon III period clock set by Barbedienne
French, 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 50cm, width 23cm, depth 16c...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Stone, 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
Gilt-Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer Set by Lerolle Frères
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze cartel clock and Barometer set by Lerolle Frères
French, c. 1860
Measures: Barometer: height 71cm, width 43cm, depth 15cm
Clock: height 7...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, 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.