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Material: Ormolu
Napoleon III Lyre Clock with Ormolu Hands
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A superb Napoleon III Lyre clock by 'Raingo Press, Paris' with an exquistely painted enamel face and finely cast ormolu hands in the shape of lyre. The move...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful three-piece clock set is designed in a French neoclassical style, popular in 19th century decorative arts. The set has been crafted from clear, cut glass and fine gilt...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Eclectic Style Enamel and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique French eclectic style enamel and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th century
Measures: Clock: Height 41cm, width 30cm, depth 15cm
Candelabra: Height 36cm, width 17cm, depth 17cm
This gilt bronze and enamel garniture contains a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra, all designed in the charming Belle Époque manner. The mantel clock, supported by a flat gilt bronze base, is constituted of a central plinth surmounted by a cylindrical clock...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Ormolu Mantle Clock, Louis XVI Style
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century Louis XVI style gilded Bacchus influenced ormolu mantel (fireplace) clock depicting three putti rolling a barrel on the back of a cloven hoofed putti. The ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu, Champlevé enamel and onyx clock garniture. Having an impressive pair of six branch candelabra with white onyx urns, inset champ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Enamel, Ormolu
French ormolu and hand painted porcelain on a cobalt blue ground
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and blue porcelain mantel clock. The blue porcelain with blue ground and decorated with swags of flowers and having jewelling...
Category
1870s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large 19th Century Raingo Fres, Paris Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality French 19th Century gilded ormolu and patinated bronze clock garniture, having a pair of seven branch flower like candelabra, being supported by putti, raised on circular plinth bases with scrolling decoration.
The clock having bronze patinated mother and three children, one sculpting, one painting and the other reading. Mounted on this beautiful gilded ormolu base with flowers, shells and foliage.
The eight day duration clock chimes on the hour and half hour and is signed; Raingo Fres...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
English Regency Thomas Weeks Neoclassical Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock
By Thomas Weeks
Located in London, GB
A superb quality and rare antique George III/English Regency neoclassical mantel clock by Thomas Weekes but signed as a conceit "Semaine a Paris". The beautifully elegant clock in wh...
Category
Early 1800s English Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Arch top French mantel clock in a finely decorated Ormolu case with classical scene to the front, standing on a mahogany base with brass banding and resting on brass feet.
Enamel ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Three-Piece Meiji Period Japonisme Vase Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique three-piece Meiji period Japonisme vase clock set
French/Japanese, late 19th century
Measures: Clock height 47cm, diameter 22cm
Candelabra height 55cm, width 25cm, depth 2...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock, comprising a central drum-shaped clock with a sunburst pendulum, surmounted by the gilded figure of Athena wearing armour with a plu...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch
By Lenzkirch
Located in Amersham, GB
A quarter striking bracket clock in a fine figured burr walnut case with ormolu mounts and sound frets backed in sage green silk. A gilded dial with s...
Category
1890s German Late Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Steel, Ormolu
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Grandfather Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Late 19th century French Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted parquetry longcase grandfather clock. Surmounted an ormolu figure of a classical seated lady holding a globe,
circa ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Neoclassical Revival Mantel Clock & Urn Garniture Set
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent turn of the late 19th / early 20th century French three piece mantel set, retailed by the renowned Bailey Banks and Biddle, with movement by Samuel Marti of Paris.
The stunning antique...
Category
Early 20th Century Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Empire period gilt bronze clock with Cupid and Psyche by Le Roy et fils
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mantel clock was crafted in c.1810 by the famous Parisian clock-making firm, Le Roy et fils. The company was founded by Basile Charles Le...
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
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
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
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
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Biscuit De Sèvres Garniture Clock Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite French 19th century Louis XVI st. Biscuit de Sèvres garniture clock set. The set has a pair of urns of prosperity with two cherubs on eac...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting late 19th century French gilded ormolu and marble mantel clock, depicting cherubs playing, one chasing a young girl, the other hiding amongst a wreath and foliage. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Napoleon III Ormolu and Porcelain Sided Mantel Clock in Four Glass Form
Located in London, GB
French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain sided mantel clock in four glass form. The clock has fine jewelled porcelain panels on three sides including the full size dial. The porcelai...
Category
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Outstanding Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by Dagrin and Philippe
Located in Long Island City, NY
An outstanding late 19th century gilt bronze mantel (fireplace) clock by Dagrin and Philippe
By Dagrin and Philippe
A large gilt bronze, beautifully dressed sculpture...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Cloisonne Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This exceptionally detailed clock set consists of a mantel clock and a pair of accompanying vases, which are all crafted in ormolu and extensively decorated in vibrant cloisonné enam...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
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
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
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
French Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock with Glass Dome, circa 1820
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Charles X period ormolu mantel clock. The drum case flanked by a young couple standing under a palm tree with flowers all around, while the lady touched the man's hand.
The...
Category
1820s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the art and culture of Classical Greece, this three-piece garniture contains a mantel clock and two candelabra. The rectangular body of the clock is of lapis lazuli and is surmounted by a Grecian vase...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Bronze, 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
Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set by Raingo Frères and Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze three-piece clock set by Raingo Frères and Henri Picard
This exceptional 19th century clock set comprises of three pieces crafted from gilt bronze: a central mantel cl...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large Gilt, Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
Large gilt, patinated bronze and marble clock set by Raingo Frères
French, Late 19th Century
Clock: height 73cm, width 29cm, depth 28cm
Candelabra: height 66cm, width 30cm, depth ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century French Gilt Bronze & Marble Clock By Rouvière A Paris c.1780
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Crafted in France during the late 18th century, around 1790-1800, the "Venus Et Amour" mantel clock epitomizes the elegance of the Louis XVI style. Carved from pristine white marble ...
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Neoclassical 18th Century Ormolu and Marble Lyre Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical 18th Century ormolu and marble lyre clock
French, Louis XVI period
Height 64m, width 27cm, depth 12cm
This exquisite mantel clock was ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Continental Gilt Bronze, Cut Glass, and Porcelain Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique Continental gilt bronze, cut glass, and porcelain clock set
Continental, late 19th century
Clock: Height 45cm, width 30cm, depth 22cm
Candelabra: Height 46cm, width 23cm, ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large and Very Fine French Empire Period Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large and very Fine French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock
French, circa 1825
Height 89cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm
This very Fine, sculpturally decorated mantel clock dates to the first French Empire period, and combines excellent antique clockmaking with Fine Classically-inspired sculpture to make a beautiful decorative piece. Both the backplate and the silvered brass dial, painted with Roman numerals, are stamped 'JACQUIER, A PARIS.' It bears the serial number 146 to upper left hand margin, and features steel moon hands set within a generous gilt laurel wreath cast bezel; it is cased in malachite (a later veneer), and richly adorned with gilt-bronze.
The case is surmounted with a gilt-bronze sculpture of the Roman leader Caesar who wears a toga and a laurel crown...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, having Sevres style porcelain panels, depicting a romantic scene, a gilded ormolu urn with swags above the clock f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mantel clock has been designed in an 18th century Rococo style, which was popularised by the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory. The clock has been expertly cast in bronze a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu Cartel Clock, by L. Marchand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu cartel clock, by L. Marchand. The clock has a a fine berried and foliate bottom inverted finial and finely etched...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Bourbon Restauration Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th Century Bourbon restauration malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, 1827
Dimensions: Height 65cm, width 32cm, depth 20cm
This beautiful early 19th Century m...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Three Piece Clock Set, the clock case with cupola and columnar supports, enameled dial, the movement with mercury compensated pendulum and stri...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Marble Mantle Clock by Jean-Nicolas Schmit
Located in New Orleans, LA
A horologic masterpiece of precision and beauty, this neoclassical marble and ormolu mantle clock is an extraordinary example of late 18th-century French clockmaking by the famed Jea...
Category
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez
Located in London, GB
French Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Michelez
French, circa 1815
Measures: Height 47cm, width 20cm, depth 15cm
This beautifully formed and crafted mantel clock, dating to...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantel Clock pendulum France, Mid-Late 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A French ormolu mantel clock
French, mid-late 19th century
Measres: Height 37 cm, width 39 cm, depth 13.5 cm.
A late 19th century French gilt-bronze (ormolu) and marble mantel clock ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Gilt Bronze and Blue Lapis Lazuli Clock with Bust of Molière
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze and blue lapis lazuli clock with bust of Molière
French, circa 1830
Measures: Height 61cm, width 27cm, depth 13cm
This exquisite French mantel clock originates fr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, 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
Large Louis XVI Style Gilded Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive gilded ormolu Louis XVI style clock garniture, the clock and candelabra being supported by winged cherubs, scrolling swags and foliage and classical mask...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble, Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and large scaled French 19th century Louis XVI st. Brèche Violette marble, ormolu and patinated bronze clock signed Balthazard. The clock is raised by a square Brèche Vio...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Garniture Set Retailed by Tiffany & Co
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period ormolu, white Carrara marble, Lapis Lazuli, and Baccarat crystal garniture set retailed by...
Category
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...
Category
19th Century French Classical Roman Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, 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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt-Bronze Clock with Enamel Numerals Attributed to Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze clock with enamel numerals attributed to Henri Picard
French, circa 1860
Measures: Height 73cm, width 45cm, depth 23cm
The elaborate case of this beautiful mantel clock has a large central circular dial with enamel Roman numerals for the hours and engraved on the edge with Arabic numbers for the minutes. The surmount is a gilt bronze group of Father Time, depicted as an elderly male figure seated on a circular globe. The quality throughout is exceptional, demonstrating the very best of 19th century craftsmanship.
This clock is after a design by André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642-1732) and similar to examples of equally fine quality and casting known to have been made by 19th Century bronzier Henri Picard (French, fl. 1831-1864), therefore we can attribute the case to Picard. The movement is stamped for Parisian clock...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and enamel Ceres mantel clock after Thomire.
French, c.1810
Measures: height 46cm, width 38cm, depth 13cm.
This superb mantel clock was made in the First Fr...
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, 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 Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock of Aurora in Her Chariot Pulled by Her Winged
Located in London, GB
Fine antique French Empire Ormolu mantel clock of a chariot drawn by two winged horses carrying the chariot with a female figure. Thi...
Category
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Three-Piece Louis XV and Sèvres Style Clock and Ewer Set
Located in London, GB
Antique Three-piece Louis XV and Sèvres style clock and ewer set
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 36cm, width 34cm, depth 12cm
Consisting of a central mantel clock a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV 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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock with Doves and Putti Playing Pipes
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality French gilded ormolu, bronze and rouge marble mantel clock, in the Louis XVI style. Having Doves above the clock face, an enamel dial with an eight day movement, chiming on the hour and half hour. Bronze putti on either side play the pipes and mounted on a rouge marble base.
Maker name; Hamilton and inches...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, 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.