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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock
20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock

20th Century French Art Deco Bronze Ormolu Desk Clock

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions: Height: 4 1/4 in Width: 5 1/2 in Depth: 2 1/2 in This antique early 20th century French Art Deco bronze ormolu desk clock is made of the highest quality and perfect for ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleonic Gilt Bronze and Marble Obelisk Clock
Napoleonic Gilt Bronze and Marble Obelisk Clock

Napoleonic Gilt Bronze and Marble Obelisk Clock

Located in New York, NY

A Louis XVI style gilt bronze and marble obelisk clock with Napoleonic Military theme. Three crisply cast French Imperial Eagles adorn the clock and refer to the figure of an eagle on a staff carried into battle as a standard by the Grande Armée of Napoleon I during the Napoleonic Wars. The most impressive of the three sits atop the obelisk, echoing the original usage of the symbol by Napoleon's military. The roman numeral dial is surmounted by a suit of roman armor resting upon a boat and flanked by a set of fasces, an eagle soars...

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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Giant Rouge Marble Carriage Clock
Giant Rouge Marble Carriage Clock

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...

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1870s French Late Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Ormolu

Antique Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set
Antique Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set

Antique Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set

Located in London, GB

This beautiful clock set, which comprises of a mantel clock and a pair of vases, was designed in France in circa 1870 in a wonderful Renaissance Revival style. The set has been craft...

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Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock Garniture
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock Garniture

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock Garniture

By A.D. Mougin

Located in London, GB

A fine quality late 19th century French bronze and ormolu garniture, the 8-day striking enamelled dial movement by AD Mougin - Paris, contained in ormolu cas...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.
French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.

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

Antique 19th C. French Bronze Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set By Raingo Frères
Antique 19th C. French Bronze Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set By Raingo Frères

Antique 19th C. French Bronze Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set By Raingo Frères

By Raingo Frères

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions (Clock) - H: 16 1/2 in W: 7 1/2 in D: 4 1/4 in Dimensions (Candelabras) - H: 14 3/4 in W: 8 1/2 in D: 8 1/2 in This exquisite 19th-century clock set, crafted by the ren...

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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock

By H. Luppens & Cie

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

19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set
19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

A high quality gilt bronze and Turquoise Sèvres style jeweled Porcelain clock set. The clock surmounted by a covered urn and flanked by lion masks on each side, en suite with a pair of painted turquoise porcelain vases...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire ormolu and bronze Pendule au Bon Sauvage clock signed Alibert
French Empire ormolu and bronze Pendule au Bon Sauvage clock signed Alibert

French Empire ormolu and bronze Pendule au Bon Sauvage clock signed Alibert

Located in London, GB

French Empire pendule au bon sauvage mantel clock in ormolu and bronze. The clock is in extremely good condition. Entirely original gilding. A particularly fine convex white enamel dial with Roman numerals. The figure with original white enamel eyes, sits on the case of the clock, foot resting on a barrel, and pipe in hand. To the other side of the clock rests a ships anchor. The back of the ormolu case is signed Alibert a Paris, for the maker. Tardy has Francois Alibert working in Paris, Rue J.J. Rouseau from 1812 -30 The clock driven by 30 hour chain fusee watch...

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1810s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Wonderful French Marble Ormolu Bronze Cherub Putti Large Clock Monbro Aine Paris
Wonderful French Marble Ormolu Bronze Cherub Putti Large Clock Monbro Aine Paris

Wonderful French Marble Ormolu Bronze Cherub Putti Large Clock Monbro Aine Paris

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful French 19th Century Marble & Ormolu Bronze Mounted Cherub / Putti Holding A Lyre Seated Above A Branch With Foliage Large And Extremely Well Executed Clock By Monbro Aine...

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19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Rococo Pedestal Clock, after Riesener
Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Rococo Pedestal Clock, after Riesener

Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Rococo Pedestal Clock, after Riesener

By Paul Garnier, Jean-Henri Riesener

Located in London, GB

This exquisite gilt bronze-mounted pedestal clock is the creation of the famed French clockmaker Paul Garnier (1801-1861). Garnier worked in Paris during the first half of the 19th C...

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19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

A French 19th century Louis XVI st. clock signed Le Merle Charpentier Bronzier
A French 19th century Louis XVI st. clock signed Le Merle Charpentier Bronzier

A French 19th century Louis XVI st. clock signed Le Merle Charpentier Bronzier

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte marble and ormolu mounted clock signed Le Merle Charpentier Bronzier, Paris Rue Charlot. The clock is raised b...

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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Ormolu

French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere
French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere

French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere

By C. 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 Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Vaillaint a Paris
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Vaillaint a Paris

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Vaillaint a Paris

Located in London, GB

Superb quality French Empire ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock in a beautifully restrained case. The casting and gilding of the finest quality. A classically dressed maiden st...

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Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock
A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock

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 ...

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Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock
A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock

A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An adorable and high quality French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock. This charming clock is supported on an oval Ormolu base raised by scrolled suppor...

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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils
French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils

French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils

Located in London, GB

A fine French Empire vase or urn clock in patinated bronze and fire/ mercury gilt ormolu. With berry finial, fine Bacchus mounts to the shoulders o...

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Early 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock
French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock French, 19th century Measures: Height 50cm, width 19cm, depth 13cm This wonderful mantel clock, crafted entirely from gilt bronze, is a magnificent example of the Louis XVI style. The clock is designed about the motif of the lyre—a popular form for Louis XVI style clocks. The clock features a stepped plinth-form base, raised on four bun feet. The base supports the clock case itself, which is wrought to resemble a lyre: the dial is set into the body of the lyre, while the twin lyre arms spring from the shoulders of the case. The arms are joined above by a garland held by scrolled swan’s head finials, between which is situated an Apollo sunburst mask. The gilt bronze surrounding the dial is richly moulded with scrolled forms and grasping acanthus leaves. The dial itself, with a pierced centre, features Arabic numeral hour marks on individual circular enamel cartouches. The movement is signed ‘Le Roy a...

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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Egyptianesque Clock, circa 1820
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Egyptianesque Clock, circa 1820

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Egyptianesque Clock, circa 1820

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...

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1820s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Large Gilt, Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères
Large Gilt, Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères

Large Gilt, Patinated Bronze and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères

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 ...

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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set
Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set

Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set

Located in London, GB

Porcelain, champlevé enamel, and gilt-bronze Rococo style three-piece clock set French, Late 19th Century Clock: height 38cm, width 23cm, depth 16cm Vases: height 28cm, width 13cm, d...

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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Empire antique Apollo clock by Lepine and Rabiat.
French Empire antique Apollo clock by Lepine and Rabiat.

French Empire antique Apollo clock by Lepine and Rabiat.

Located in London, GB

A fine, large and important French Empire clock of Apollo playing his lyre in patinated bronze, ormolu and antique vert marble. The dial is signed for the important maker Lepine and ...

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1810s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Ormolu Mantle Clock in Orientalist Motif
19th Century French Ormolu Mantle Clock in Orientalist Motif

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...

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Mid-19th Century French Moorish Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Cobalt-Blue Painted Porcelain Clockset
19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Cobalt-Blue Painted Porcelain Clockset

19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Cobalt-Blue Painted Porcelain Clockset

Located in New York, NY

A magnificent Sèvres style gilt bronze and cobalt-blue 'Jeweled' painted porcelain clockset. The central clock case surmounted by a ruby and pearl 'jeweled' coupe flanked by bracket...

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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock

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. ...

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1890s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

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...

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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Japonisme Mantel Clock with Floral Champlevé Enamel
Antique French Japonisme Mantel Clock with Floral Champlevé Enamel

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...

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Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu-Mounted Porcelain Figural Clockset
19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu-Mounted Porcelain Figural Clockset

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.

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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time
French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time

French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time

Located in London, GB

Fabulous antique French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying off time. This has to be one of my all time favourite French Empire or Charles X period mantel clocks. Enti...

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1820s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Antique French Charles X period "Au bon Sauvage" mantel clock. Very rare, this is not a model we have ever seen before, possibly a one off. Set upon f...

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1820s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Silvered Bronze Clock Set Depicting Hebe & Jupiter's Eagle by Charpentier & Co
Silvered Bronze Clock Set Depicting Hebe & Jupiter's Eagle by Charpentier & Co

Silvered Bronze Clock Set Depicting Hebe & Jupiter's Eagle by Charpentier & Co

By Charpentier et Cie

Located in London, GB

In classical mythology, Hebe, the personification of youth, is also cupbearer to the gods. She is the daughter of Juno and Jupiter (represented here by his eagle). Seated between his wings, she is holding the oinochoe (wine pitcher) in one arm while with her free hand she gracefully offers him divine nectar known as ambrosia, a drink which reinforced the Olympians' immortality. The three-piece clock garniture centred around the large silvered bronze figural group after the original by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, supported on a gilt-bronze mounted onyx clock base, denoting the hours in Roman numerals, the central clock flanked by a pair of silvered and gilt bronze female figures in neoclassical garb, their amphoras issuing five scrolling candleholders...

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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu

French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. clock, signed Aux Mille Pendules
French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. clock, signed Aux Mille Pendules

French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. clock, signed Aux Mille Pendules

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An attractive and high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock, signed Aux Mille Pendules. This impressive clock is rais...

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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu 8 Day Mantle Clock
Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu 8 Day Mantle Clock

Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu 8 Day Mantle Clock

Located in London, GB

An early 19th Century French bronze & ormolu 8-Day striking Clock with silver dial (stamped Douon on inner plate and one spring dated 1824) mounted in unusual bronze & ormolu case depicting centurion slaying dragon...

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19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XV Rococo Style Ormolu & Porcelain Mantle Clock
19th Century French Louis XV Rococo Style Ormolu & Porcelain Mantle Clock

19th Century French Louis XV Rococo Style Ormolu & Porcelain Mantle Clock

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine and most attractive 19th century French Louis XV Rococo Style ormolu and porcelain mantle clock, modelled as an urn with floral finial and goat head masks to the sides, o...

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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Early 19th Century Ormolu and White Carrara Marble Clock
French Early 19th Century Ormolu and White Carrara Marble Clock

French Early 19th Century Ormolu and White Carrara Marble Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An impressive French early 19th century ormolu and white Carrara marble clock. The clock is raised by elegant scrolled foliate supports with dolphin heads. The rectangular white Carr...

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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Clock
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Clock

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...

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19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Very Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock
Very Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

Very Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Very Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock The clock face is flanked by one child playing the french horn,the other playing with finger cymbals, all raised on an elabor...

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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire
Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire

Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire

By Pierre-Philippe 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...

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1810s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine

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

19th Century Pink 'Sevres' Porcelain Mantel Clock
19th Century Pink 'Sevres' Porcelain Mantel Clock

19th Century Pink 'Sevres' Porcelain Mantel Clock

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very pretty 19th century French pink 'Sevres' porcelain and gilded ormolu mantel clock. Having classical foliate and swag decoration surrounding the pink porcelain plaques which de...

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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock

French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock

Located in London, GB

French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock French, 19th Century Height 30cm, width 18cm, depth 14.5cm This fine mantel clock is of rectangular form, with a gilt bron...

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19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock
19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock

19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very pleasing early 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, have a classical maiden standing in front of a mirror, with a pedestal supporting a vase of flowers. The white e...

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19th Century French Romantic Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture French, late 19th century Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm This wonde...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

English Regency Black Marble Mantle Clock by Payne of London
English Regency Black Marble Mantle Clock by Payne of London

English Regency Black Marble Mantle Clock by Payne of London

Located in London, GB

A Fine English Regency Derbyshire Black Marble Mantel Clock by Payne, 163 New Bond Street, London, Circa 1825 A refined and architecturally pure English Regency mantel clock in Derb...

Category

1820s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

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.