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Material: Ormolu
A Large Gilt-Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Gilt-Bronze and Sèvres Style Cobalt Blue Ground Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture.
Comprising a mantle clock and a pair of vases and covers. The mantel clock modelled w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Louis XVI Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Fine quality Louis XVI gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock of Venus with cherubs.
Fine quality Louis XVI gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock of Venus with cher...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
A Fine 18th Century Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century mahogany and ormolu mounted bell top bracket clock. The 8-day movement with finely engraved back plate and the full brass dial signed Pennington, Drury Lane
Circa 178...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 10cm
This fine gilt bronze man...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Egyptianesque Clock, circa 1820, the circular white enamel dial with strike on bells movement, signed "Froidevaux a Berne", with hippocamp a...
Category
1820s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble, Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock
By Jean A. Rennes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble, ormolu and patinated bronze clock, signed Jean, A Rennes. The clock is raised by four fine topie s...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th century Louis XVI st. marble and Ormolu clock, signed Derniere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and finely decorated French 19th century Louis XVI st. Gris St. Anne marble and Ormolu clock, signed Derniere. This exquisite and high quality clock is raised on an imp...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
A 19th century gilt bronze clock with a seated lady in Ottoman dress resting on cushions with her arm raised possibly originally holding a bird or simila...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Massive Mantel Clock of Psyche and Cupid Signed Deniere
Located in London, GB
French massive mantel clock of Psyche and Cupid signed Deniere. Superb example after the original late 18th century model by Claud Michalon. This version was made by the famous early...
Category
1810s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Style Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock - Étienne Le Noir, Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and Palatial French Louis XVI style figural gilt bronze mantel clock. The vase shaped case surmounted with a pomegranate-cast finial and flanked by large satyr mask handles fitted with intertwined gilt-bronze snakes, amongst floral wreaths, ribbons and acanthus. The rectangular acanthus decorated base flanked on each side with a figure of a cherub holding a globe and a Putti writing a poem, both above a plinth decorated with fruit and floral garlands surmounted with lion-mask-legs. The circular white enamel dial with wreaths of flowers with Roman and Arabic numerals, Signed: Étienne Le Noir...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$48,950 Sale Price
41% Off
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive mahogany longcase clock with gilt and sculpted decorative bronze elements such as fantastic animals, diamond-shaped patterns, scrollwork, and foliage. This floor clock is ...
Category
1880s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and Sèvres style porcelain clock garniture
French, 19th century
Measures: Clock height 46cm, width 29cm, depth 24c...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th century Louis XVI/XV st. Ormolu cartel clock
By F. E. Becker & Co, F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most important and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI/XV st. Ormolu cartel clock, signed F. Barbedienne and E. Becker 98'. This impressive cartel clock with its original gi...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large Empire Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1820-1830.
A large-scale early 19th century bronze and gilt bronze mantel clock, the clocks hunting theme, featuring three different scenes. The bronze Diana...
Category
1820s French Louis Philippe Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, 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
Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
French, Late 18th Century
Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 12cm
A wonderful example of late 18th century ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
A French 19th century Belle Epoque Period marble and Ormolu clock garniture set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality French 19th century Belle Epoque Period Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock garniture set. This stunning garniture set consists of a cl...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French ormolu Lyre clock standing on a stepped rectangular base with acanthus leaf decoration and floral swags resting on four turned and chased toupe feet.
Chased garland gilt bezel surrounding a fine enamel dial with Roman numerals and a gilded starburst...
Category
1840s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
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
Important 19th Century French clock garniture by Deniere.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderfully impressive 19th Century French gilded ormolu clock garniture, by Deniere of Paris. The clock having a classical reclining maiden holding doves among flowers and foliage...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Egyptian Revival Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This clock set is designed in the Egyptian Revival style, which was in vogue in Europe and America in the 19th century. The fashion was kick-started by Emperor Napoleon I’s campaign in Egypt in 1798-1799. This led to the publication of ‘Le Description de l’Égypte’ (The Description of Egypt) in 1809 (and a second edition in 1830), which documented various aspects of Egyptian culture, including the pyramids, antiquities, ancient and modern buildings, Egyptian clothing...
Category
19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Clock in the Louis XVI Taste
Located in London, GB
A mantle clock in the Louis XVI taste by Raingo Freres, Paris
Constructed in gilt bronze, and dressed with Bleu Celeste framed porcelain panels, decorated in polychromes, in the '...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Giant Rouge Marble Carriage Clock
By A.D. Mougin
Located in Amersham, GB
This oversized 'Carriage clock' in an xquisite rouge marble case with gilded mounts and handle, has an eight day movement with english lever platform escapement striking on a bell. T...
Category
1870s French Late Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Clock Garniture By Prosper Roussel Of Paris
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning ormolu and onyx mantle clock with garniture. Surmounted by a seated cupid on a octagonal shaped base with a wreath border, twin barrel movement striking on a bell ,an enamel dial with the hours and minutes in Roman numerals respectively, the dial signed Prosper Roussel...
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils
French, c. 1810
Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm
This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie
Located in Essex, MA
Period French marble and ormolu mantel clock with sunburst or sun king motif original works. Gilding in great condition. Neoclassical form with enamel embellishments in great conditi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Satyr Figurals Mantel Clock
Located in Germantown, MD
A clean Rococo-style gilt bronze figural mantel clock. The clock is a late 19th-century piece, featuring cherubs / satyrs.
The style is characterized by elaborate scrollwork, foliag...
Category
Late 19th Century American Classical Roman Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze, 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...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Large Louis XVI style gilded clock set, C19th
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite French 19th-century clock set features a striking rouge marble base adorned with elegant gilded ormolu accents. The centerpiece showcases a detailed bronze statue of a...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
C19th French Gilded ormolu Clock set.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A French late 19th Century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu clock set. The clock having a classical urn mounted to the top, Lion mask drop handles either...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Superb 19th Century Grandfather Clock by Haentges Freres
Located in Tarzana, CA
A superb quality 19th century French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany and King-wood Parquetry "Re´gulateur de Parquet" Grandfather longcase Clock by Haentges Freres.
The drum...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
$88,500 Sale Price
25% Off
Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie Red Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This fine and ornate antique clock set by Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie comprises a clock and two flanking candelabra. The asymmetrical clock is set on a red marble base with ormolu feet and features a central relief panel in patinated bronze. The circular red marble clock...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
17th Century Obelisk-Shaped Table Clock
Located in London, GB
17th Century obelisk-shaped table clock
Italian, 17th Century
Height 28cm, width 9cm, depth 7cm
A stunning piece from the 17th century, this table clock is a precious element of horological artistry and mechanical innovation. Encased in gilt and glass, the delicate clock is shaped akin to an obelisk, an intriguing symbol that lends a striking visual appeal.
The foundation of the timepiece is a gilt brass and...
Category
1660s Italian Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, 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
19th Century French Sevres Porcelain Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality French, 19th century pink sevres porcelain and gilded ormolu clock set. Having a classical urn to the top, an eight day chiming movement. A romantic scene painted to t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
$6,711 / set
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
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt bronze, and features the surmounting figure of Asteria seated with the figure of a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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
French Charles X Malachite and Gilt Bronze Figurative Clock
Located in London, GB
French Charles X malachite and gilt bronze figurative clock
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 62cm, width 45cm, depth 16cm
This fine mantel clock is a superb example of the Ch...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Louis XVI style ormolu clock set, C19th
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite 19th-century French clock set features a stunning combination of gilded ormolu and verde marble. The centerpiece clock is elegantly adorned with intricate gilded detai...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu pedestal clock, retailed by Tiffany & Co. This stunning clock is raised by a Rouge R...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, 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
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
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
$16,106 / set
Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This ormolu clock is an exemplary work by the famous French 19th century metalworker and foundry-owner, Ferdiand Barbedienne. Working with a design made by the acclaimed onamentalist, Louis-Constant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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
Second Empire Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This three-piece mantel clock set contains a clock and two candelabra. The set was produced circa 1860, during the Napoleon III period, and demonstrates the eclecticism typical to de...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality gilt bronze and porcelain figural mantel clock. The figure of a maiden placing a garland of flowers over the cherub’s head.
Origin: French
Date: circa 1880
Dimen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock, Leroy
Located in New York, NY
Louis XVI ormolu-mounted Mantel Clock
signed Julien Leroy A Paris
France, 18th century
A similar clock sold at Sothebys New York for $81,250 (Important ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Barbedienne French Mantel Clock, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality Louis XVI style French gilded ormolu mantel clock, signed Barbedienne. Having shield and foliate decoration to the top, white enamel roman numerals, a lyre shaped pend...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Gilt Bronze and Parquetry Standing Clock by Kahn in the Régence Style
By E. Kahn
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and parquetry standing clock by Kahn in the Régence style
French, early 20th century
Measures: Height 262cm, width 62cm, depth 17cm
This beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French Régence Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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
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
19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques circa 1890.
Fine quality ornate french clock surmounted with a lady in traditional french dress leaning on an architectural...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th century French Empire Period Elm Barometer signed Gabriel
Located in London, GB
Empire Cistern Barometer by Gabriel
Of rectangular form, with the case waisted, veneered in burr elm with mounts in the manner of Percier and Fontaine, of cistern type, with bronze ...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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
Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century French gilded ormolu and Severs porcelain mantel clock. Having putti on either side, holding garlands of flowers. Inset hand-painted Sevres porcelain p...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Charles X Period Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Patinated Bronze
Located in London, GB
A very smart and stylish antique French Charles X period mantel clock in ormolu and patinated bronze with original ormolu throughout and surmounted by a fine ormolu urn on a stepped base. The clock signed on the dial "Mallet Hr. de Mg le Duc d'Orleans". The clock is set on decorated ormolu block feet and is constructed of patinated bronze with ormolu mouldings and applied ormolu mounts. A fine ormolu moulding is above the base and above this is a fine mount of a lyre surrounded by volumes of book and laurel. To the top of the clock is a superb ormolu urn decorated with scenes of putti playing, or holding an arrow of love or patting the dog...
Category
1820s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
In its unusual and beautiful design, this sumptuous mantel clock effortlessly transcends the boundaries between sculpture, clockmaking and objet de vertu...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and White Carrara Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and white Carrara marble clock. The clock is raised by fine circular ormolu supports below the demi lune shaped white Carrara marb...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara 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.
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