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Material: Ormolu
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a wonderful piece of French Neoclassical design. It is an unusual and very beautiful item, which has been expertly crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu). The clock will add elegance and sophistication to a mantelpiece.
The clock features a table-form body which is topped by a classical urn. The urn is crowned by a pomegranate finial and mounted with twin handles in the shape of rams’ heads with rings in their mouths. The urn is decorated with twisted and cabled fluting, a belt draped with foliate swags, panelled motifs and a ropework band.
The urn stands on a table-shaped body which is surmounted by outward-pointing pinecone finials and laurel branches. The stepped tabletop has scalloped corners and is decorated with an egg-and-dart and leaf-and-dart band, as well as a central Green Man mask. This top is supported on six legs which feature leafy scrolled tops draped with swags and hoof feet. Between the legs, there is a drum clock...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large French Louis XV style gilt bronze cartel clock.
After the model by Jacques Caffièri.
The cartouche-shaped case representing sunrise an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls
Located in London, GB
Antique Rococo Louis XV style ormolu and patinated bronze clock set by Denière et Fils
French, c. 1870
Clock: Height 59cm, width 52cm, depth 23cm
Candelabra: Height 71cm, width 33...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Lapis Lazuli Mantel Clock after Falconet
Located in London, GB
French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791) is the inspiration for this beautiful, sumptuous mantel clock. His clock, crafted in the late 18th Century and now on display at the Louvre Museum, caused such a stir when it was exhibited over 100 years later, at the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1900 that one reviewer claimed that it "attracted so much admiration from the crowds gathered around that the pressure was sufficient at times to endanger its safety."
As well as this famed 'Three Graces...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu-Mounted Porcelain Figural Clockset
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality 19th century Sèvres ormolu-mounted porcelain clockset.
Origin: French
Date: 19th century
Dimension: Clock: 25 in high; Urns: 24 in high.
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Sevres Porcelain Garniture De Cheminée
By Henry Dasson
Located in London, GB
An important Garniture de Cheminée in the manner of Henry Dasson
Constructed in well cast and chased gilt bronze, with 'Sevres' type 'jewelled...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality, large French 19th century gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, signed; 'Monbro Aine, Paris'. Having an urn of grapes with semi...
Category
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style French malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 30cm, depth 15cm
This neoclassical Louis XVI style mant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
Fine American Gilt Bronze Standing Clock by Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Antique chased Ormolu clock case ornamented with hand pierced all over foliate pattern scrollwork, achieved through repousse and engraving, enclosing a p...
Category
Early 20th Century Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock, the circular white enamel dial signed "Baudoin A Paris" within a cartouche-shaped case surmounted by an urn and ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Clock Set
Located in New York, NY
Fine quality and attractive French champleve gilt bronze and light blue champleve enamel clock set. Retailed by Camerden & Forster, New York. Gilt bronze and champleve enamel.
Or...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
French 19th Century Belle Époque Period Marble Clock By Charpentier & Cie.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period ormolu, patinated bronze and white Carrara marble clock by Charpentier...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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
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
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
Bronze and Ormolu Clock, 19th Century, French, Silk Suspension Striking
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French bronze and ormolu eight day silk suspension striking clock contained in ornate case surmounted by well-cast and gadrooned urn...
Category
Early 19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Ormolu, White Marble and Tole Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute
By Francois Vion, Lepaute
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...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze
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
French Louis XVI Style Gilded Clock Set, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality, impressive 19th century French gilded ormolu and grey marble clock garniture. Having a large pair of five branch candelabra either side, support by classical mai...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Sèvres Style Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock by Kreisser
Located in London, GB
This gilt bronze mounted mantel clock is formed about a beautiful sky-blue, parcel gilt Sèvres style porcelain vase. The enamel dial is mounted within a gilt bronze drum that is drap...
Category
1850s French Napoleon III 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
Large Gilt-Bronze and Malachite Charles X Style Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large gilt-bronze and malachite Charles X style mantel clock
French, 19th Century
Height 74cm, width 53cm, depth 24cm
This superb and impressively large mantel clock...
Category
19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Gilt Bronze and Pink Sevres Style Porcelain Antique Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This exquisite pink porcelain clock set is made in the Louis XVI style and comprises of two vases flanking a central clock. The porcelain clock dial is delicately painted and bears a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI, Ormolu and Sevres Style Mantle Clock, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantle clock, having reclining putti holding garlands of flowers either side a vase of flowers, two serves style porcelain p...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Renaissance Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Renaissance style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 53cm, width 28cm, depth 23cm
This exquisite mantel clock is crafted in the idios...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
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
Chinoiserie Cold Painted and Gilt Bronze Clock and Candelabra
Located in London, GB
This clock set is designed in a wonderful ‘chinoiserie’ style. This style was inspired by the art of China, and it was very fashionable in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. The ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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
Large 19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent French mantel clock in patinated bronze and original ormolu. Modeled with figures of two classically dressed females sitting back to back against the clock drum and rea...
Category
19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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 XV Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock by Balthazar
By Michel Baltazar
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock beautifully illustrates the classical myth of ‘The Abduction of Europa’. In this story, the god Zeus falls in love with a mortal woman called Europa. To seduce her, Zeus transforms himself into a white bull. Europa then mounts the bull and Zeus whisks her away from her home to Crete. Europa becomes the Queen of Crete and bears Zeus several children.
The clock takes the form of a patinated bronze bull which is saddled with a gilt bronze (ormolu) clock case. This case features a circular white enamel dial with black Roman and Arabic Numerals, as well as the maker’s name ‘Michel Baltazar...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze mantel clock with Classical figures
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 45cm, width 39cm, depth 17cm
This mantel clock feat...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, 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...
Category
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Patinated Bronze and Onyx Mantel Clock by Mercié and Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Antique patinated bronze and onyx mantel clock by Mercié and Barbedienne
French, Late 19th Century
Height 113cm, width 58cm, depth 40cm
Two renowned French makers, Antonin Mercié (...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Japonisme Mantel Clock with Floral Champlevé Enamel
Located in London, GB
Antique French Japonisme mantel clock with floral Champlevé enamel
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 51cm, width 27.5cm, depth 22cm
Beautifully wrought from patinated bronze and champlevé enamel, this mantel clock is designed in the Japonisme style. The style was popular in 19th Century Europe following the opening of Japan to trade and cultural exchange.
The clock stands on four cabriole feet, with a pierced Japanese style apron to the bottom. The central case is stepped, with the main section of rectangular profile, and mounted with pierced patinated bronze vines...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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, Enamel, Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze
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
French Restauration Period Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This antique French mantel clock is crafted from ornate gilt bronze and gilttering cut-glass and dates from the early 19th century. The clo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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
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
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...
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, 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
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 Empire Style Lapis and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful early 20th Century clock set with later lapis veneer will make a stunning Neoclassical style addition to a mantelpiece and a bold i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique French 19th century mantel clock.
This exquisite mantel clock has a Sevres porcelain dial plate and other Sevres porcelain decorations.
The movement with spring suspension. ...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble and Ormolu Clock, Signed Simona a Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and extremely high quality French early 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu clock, signed Simona à Paris, circa 1819. The clock is raised by six elegant topie shaped feet below the exceptional and most decorative scallop shaped white Carrara marble base. The base displays an exceptional stepped design and beautiful pierced baluster like wrap around ormolu gallery with a fine twisted ribbon fillet and central rosette. Leading up each side are impressive columns raised by square supports with exceptional concave sides decorated with fitted pierced foliate ormolu mounts, and rosettes encased by unique posts and chains. The columns are each adorned with lovely swaging ormolu fabrics, tassels, and an exquisite array of beaded and twisted ribbon ormolu fillets leading upwards to the superb ball and chain pendants. Above the beautiful pendulum with two intricately detailed rooster heads and central sun mask is the elegant enameled clock face with Arabic hour and minute markers with pieced hands with the rare inclusion of a second hand framed within an outstanding and finely detailed ormolu band of intertwined ropes. Above is a handsome richly chased Roman soldier wearing a cape and holding a dagger and sheath...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon
Located in London, GB
Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon
French, circa 1840
Measures: Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 15cm
The gilt bronze m...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
English Regency Fusee Mantel Clock, by Viner in Ormolu and Derbyshire Marble
Located in London, GB
English Regency ormolu and Derbyshire black marble mantel clock. Typical drum shaped clock, set on four elaborate ormolu toupee feet. The Derbyshire black marble base has an applied ...
Category
1820s English Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique neoclassical style three-piece gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 57cm, width 74cm, depth 23cm.
Candelabra: Height 83cm, width 27cm, d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Bronze Three Piece Garniture Clock Set by Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unusual monumental clock set in Griotte marble signed Barbedienne and on the top of the clock you have a bronze made by one of the famous bronze m...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880
A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the case with elaborate garland decorations culminating in a volute krater of flowers ab...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French, Greek Revolution or Hellenistic Mantel Clock of Turk on Horseback
Located in London, GB
French Greek Revolution or Hellenistic mantel clock of Greek hero on horseback. Constructed of the very finest cast bronze and fire gilded ormolu and ...
Category
1820s French 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
19th Century French Enamel Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and Champlevé enamel clock garniture, the clock having a two handled turquoise enamel urn with swags above ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
French Mantel Clock and Candelabra of Gilt Bronze and Blue ‘Sèvres’ Porcelain
Located in London, GB
A Good French mantel clock garniture
By Charles Oudin, Paris
The garniture comprising a clock and two candelabras, constructed in gilt bronze and ‘Se...
Category
19th Century French 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.