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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
French 19th Century Neo-Classical Period Marble, Ormolu, & Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and finely detailed French 19th century Neo-Classical period Alabaster, Ormolu, Sainte-Anne Grand Dessin marble, and patinated Bronze annu...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mounted Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This three-piece clock and candelabra set is formed of malachite and is fitted with gilt and patinated bronze mounts. The malachite base of th...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated bronze, ormolu, and white Carrara marble clock signed H Luppens & Cie. The clock is raised by five topie shaped feet with f...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

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

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu

Beautiful Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set – Lieutaud Paris
By Balthazar Lieutaud
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Beautiful Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Three Piece Clock Set – Lieutaud Paris The excellent quality clock case in white marble with figures of Venus and Cupid embracin...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, 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...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Stone, Ormolu, Bronze

Large 19th Century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu clock set.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A spectacular French 19th Century Rouge marble and gilded ormolu clock garniture, having a beautiful seated Madian holding an oil lamp above masked bracket supports with ring handles...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive late 19th century French gilded ormolu and cobalt blue porcelain urn clock set, the clock having seated putti holding garl...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large French Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, signed Marquis à Paris, c. 1860–1880
Located in Tarzana, CA
A magnificent gilt-bronze mantel clock of monumental form, richly cast and finely chased in the Rococo-revival style. The case is surmounted by a celestial globe above a pierced flor...
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1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, 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...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Large Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Marble Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and good quality 19th century gilded ormolu Louis XVI style clock garniture. The pair of five branch candelabra supported by a pair of classical semi clad females, ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century (Early) French Clock Marble & Ormolu
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Early) French Clock Marble & Ormolu Unique clock purchased in France. Gorgeous Marble. impeccable condition. See Detailed Pics.
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere
Located in London, GB
Fine black marble and ormolu mantel clock of borne (antique milestone) form. Superb proportions and Fine ormolu mounts, well finished with matte and burnished fire gilding. The primary mount represents d'Etude, below this a pair of Lions pawing an Anthemion. To each side a Fine mount of crossed winged torches of ever lasting love purporting to represent Anacreon inspired by Love. Fine white enamel dial and gilt bronze hands, signed Maniere a Paris for Charles-Guillaume working at the Rue Christine...
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Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock by Roque, Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu clock by Roque, Paris. The clock is raised by elegant circular mottled feet with fine wrap around foliate band...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and White Carrara Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and white Carrara marble clock. The clock is raised by fine circular mottled ormolu feet below the solid whit...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, 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...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Gilt Bronze / Marble Mantel Clock Featuring Cupid & Triton, Italy 1834
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A superb example of neoclassical artistry, this antique Louis XVI style mantel clock was crafted in Italy circa 1834. Rich in symbolism and detail, the clock features a finely cast g...
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1830s Italian Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze Louis XVI style clock garniture. The four branch, Rococo influenced candelabra each supported by three classical...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Louis XVI style Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality French 19th century Rococo gilded ormolu mantel clock. The eight day movement, chimes on the hour and half hour.
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19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Cartel Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful French 19th century Louis XV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze cartel clock. The clock displays a most elegant and decorative cloud like design with richly chased love bird...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

A most decorative French 19th century Louis XVI st. Onyx and Ormolu mantel clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and most decorative French 19th century Louis XVI st. Onyx and Ormolu mantel clock. This exceptional clock themed around the classical art is raised on ball feet below a two...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Located in London, GB
The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). The firm was famous for its high-quality artistic bronzes, which can today be viewed in major art collections, such as the Louvre in Paris. Shaped like an upside down ‘T’, this gilt bronze...
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1860s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French Bronze Dore Mantle Table Clock by Leveque Guéret, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Louis XVI gilded bronze watch. Enamelled dial with hollow hands White marble pedestal richly decorated with gilded bronze, and in the center a bas-relief with an ibex / goat symbol ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. White Carrara Marble, Ormolu And Jeweled Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble, Ormolu and jeweled dial clock. The most elegant lyre shaped clock is raised on a stunning white Carrara marble base...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Classical 19th Century French Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu mantel clock. Having a broken arch pediment with a twin handled urn to the centre. The inset champlevé enam...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu Clock, 'Signed Lepaute Paris'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. signed 'Lepaute, Paris' ormolu clock. The clock with a superb chasing throughout has all of its original gilt. Raised ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

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...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Three Piece Garniture Set, Signed Denière
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. three piece garniture set, signed Denière, Paris. The elegant set includes a pair of two arm candelabras raised on sq...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, 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...
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Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Sleigh Form Ormolu and Onyx Antique Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful and unusual clock is formed as an ormolu sleigh, which is set upon a rectangular block of green onyx which is further set upon an ormolu base with four acanthus leaf f...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock, A.B.Savory, Cornhill
Located in Norwich, GB
Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock Ormolu figural mantel clock with beautifully cast maiden in flowing robes holding a bunch of grapes towards a ...
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1860s French 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 ...
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Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Mounted Malachite Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and silvered bronze mounted malachite three-piece clock set French, late 19th century Clock: Height 56cm, width 53cm, depth 28cm Candelabra: Height 66cm, width 30cm,...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Marble mantle clock and calendar.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century black and rouge marble mantle clock with calendar. Having a gilded ormolu foliate mount to the top, a gilded clock face with an eight day, hour and h...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, 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...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock French, c.1825 Height 36cm, width 18.5m, depth 10.5cm Set within a beautiful porcelain case, parcel gilt, and flor...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Chinoiserie/Japanism Dore Bronze and Hand Painted Porcelain Clock
Located in New York, NY
A very unusual and quite rare 19th century French chinoiserie/Japanism dore bronze mounted and hand painted porcelain aesthetic movement clock, attributed to E. Lièvre, most probably...
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1870s French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and champleve enamel clock set. The matching three brach candelabra with scrolling foliate rococo style decoration and bold...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Large 19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Tarzana, 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...
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19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

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...
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18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, 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...
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1840s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Restauration Gilt Bronze Mounted Crystal Lyre Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Restauration gilt bronze mounted crystal lyre mantel clock French, circa 1820 Measures: Height 67cm, width 23cm, depth 14cm This superb mantel c...
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Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Ormolu-Mounted Onyx Figural Mantel Clock, Circa 1815
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An extraordinary example of Empire period craftsmanship, this grand French mantel clock was created circa 1815 by the esteemed sculptor and clockmaker Albert Ernest. It exemplifies t...
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1810s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu

French Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock by Wilson & Gander, London
By Wilson & Gandar
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilded ormolu mantel clock with blue hand painted floral porcelain panels (the panels all separately signed ‘Creilliet Montereai, Medaillon D’or, ...
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1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sèvres porcelain and ormolu clock. The clock is raised by fine topie shaped feet below the ormolu base which is decorated with elegant...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, 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...
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Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Charles X Ormolu French Mantel Clock Surmounted by Lion
Located in London, GB
A French antique Charles X period ormolu mantel clock. The ormolu in excellent original condition and the case of very heavy, dense construction. All parts are beautifully cast. The ...
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1830s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very fine and rare green onyx, porcelain, cloisonné enamel and ormolu mantel clock French, Late 19th Century Height 64cm, diameter 23cm This beautiful piece is an exceptionally unusual and equally beautiful mantel clock, crafted from a variety of materials, used to showcase an array of superb decorative arts and techniques. Made in France in the late nineteenth century it is formed of green onyx, porcelain (the vase on top), cloisonné enamel and ormolu. The dials are set upon three columns of ormolu, mounted on green onyx, and framed with enamel in red, white, and blue, floral motifs. The dials are adorned with lettering in both French and Spanish, and measure time, temperature, and pressure. An elegant decorative vase mounts the clock, crafted from porcelain, and similarly decorated with enamel elements. Rare in design and even rare in terms of pure quality, it forms a unique antique timepiece...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Marble Clock Signed Raingo Frères
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble clock signed Raingo Frères. The clock is raised by two elegant rectangular reeded supports at the front and circular spiral fluted feet behind below striking richly chased elongated rosettes centering a fine pierced fitted intertwined laurel branch also repeated at the rounded sides. At the center is an impressive pierced fitted ormolu mount with Rinceau shaped scrolled acanthus leaves and berried laurel garlands flanked by striking fluted columns with fitted decorative ormolu chandelles and stunning lightly curved richly chased cornucopias with ribbons at each side. The enamel dial displays Roman numeral hour markings and Arabic numeral minute markings with elegant pierced foliate ormolu hands framed within an elegant mottled bezel with foliate and beaded designs. Above is the remarkable top crown a richly chased berried laurel wreath, a quiver, arrows, a bow and the eternal flame all tied with a flowing ribbon and displaying a wonderful satin and burnished finish. All original gilt throughout. Raingo Fréres, established in 1813 in Paris, specialized in the high precision clock...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, 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...
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1860s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, 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 ...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Clock
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A richly decorative French mantel clock, finely modelled in gilt bronze and mounted with exquisite Sèvres style porcelain with a cream ground. The central porcelain panel depicts an ...
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19th Century European Louis XVI 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 ...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and bronze Louis XVI style mantel (fireplace) clock, have cloven hoofed putti supporting the clock, with Bacchus influenced deco...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock, signed Jollet & Cie. The clock is raised by a square stepped base with a finely chased pierced...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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...
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19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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...
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Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century NeoClassical St. Marble & Ormolu Obelisk Shaped Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and unique French early 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble and ormolu obelisk shaped clock. The clock is raised by a rectangular white Carrara marble base with a thick bottom ormolu band and superb richly chased fitted ormolu plaques with the front plaque depicting a bearded man laying outside draped in fur with trees and a ruin in the background and the side plaques depicting beautiful pierced palmettes. At the center are exquisite panther like sphinges flanking draped garlands and superb most decorative bucranium amidst stars at the center. The white enameled clock face displays elegant pierced foliate hands and Arabic hour markings framed within a mottled ormolu bezel. Leading upwards is a wonderfully executed fitted ormolu plaque of a beautiful richly chased maiden draped in flowing period attire throwing flowers...
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Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French marble and ormolu clock garniture.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting French 19th Century white marble and gilded ormolu clock garniture, having a mother and childly the white enamel clock face, striking on the hour and half hour on a bel...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

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

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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