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Grand Tour Clocks

GRAND TOUR STYLE

For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.

Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.

Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.

Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaics — small artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.

Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.

Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Grand Tour
19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century French Sienna marble and bronze mounted Grand Tour influenced mantel clock, having an arched top, mythical gods...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Clocks

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Mantel Clock
19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Mantel Clock

19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Mantel Clock

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1890s French Antique Grand Tour Clocks

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

19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock

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Mantel Clock 19th Century Louis XV Period
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The clock is in excellent and perfect working condition. In addition, it was recently cleaned and serviced by a professional clockmaker who specializes in maintaining museums in Poland.
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Mantel Clock 19th Century Louis XV Period
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19th Century Travail Par Kossowsk Mantel Clock
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H 28 in W 14 in D 8 in
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Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal” The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
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Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire

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19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
Located in Charlottesville, VA
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19th Century British Antique Grand Tour Clocks

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19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

H 28 in W 16 in D 8 in
19th Century Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A highly unusual 19th Century Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock. Wonderful design architectural clock case with pagoda top, made of high quality red marble and black slate, all exquisite...
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19th Century Scottish Antique Grand Tour Clocks

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19th Century Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock
19th Century Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock

19th Century Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock

H 13.59 in W 11.23 in D 6.3 in
Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
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A beautiful clock made of bronze and malachite in an intense green and blue color. The clock stands on four decorated feet in the shape of paws. At the foot of the dial there is a cu...
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Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

H 27.17 in W 18.51 in D 10.63 in
Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period
Located in Warsaw, PL
This mantel clock is crafted in a neoclassical style of the Napoleon III period (1824-1830). The mantel clock’s pedestal is made from turquoise malachite and golden ormolu. Malachit ...
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Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period
Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period

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H 25.6 in W 20.48 in D 9.85 in
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19th Century French Alabaster / Gilt Mantel Clock
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Fine Antique 19th Century Marble Mantel Clock
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This ormolu clock from the 19th century has a rectangular base with four feet carved with small patterns. The figure on top represents a lady playing on the spinet and on sides of th...
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Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire

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H 14.97 in W 9.85 in D 4.73 in
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Superb Antique Onyx, Ormolu & Jewelled Strut Clock, French 19th C
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H 12 in W 5.5 in D 2 in
Grand Tour Column Skelton Clock A. Huguenin, Paris
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Grand Tour Column Skelton Clock A. Huguenin, Paris
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18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
From the first quarter of the 18th century - a German brass equinoctial pocket sundial by Ludwig Theodor Muller, Augsburg. The sundial consists of three...
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18th Century German Antique Grand Tour Clocks

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18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor
18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor

18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor

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Rare Antique Elephant Clock, circa 1920
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A rare clock in the shape of an elephant. A hand painted papier marche case with mechanical clockwork. The tail and the head are moving each few minutes, Germany, circa 1920. Clockwo...
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Rare Antique Elephant Clock, circa 1920
Rare Antique Elephant Clock, circa 1920

Rare Antique Elephant Clock, circa 1920

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Silver and Precious Stone Miniature Table Clock by Dreyfous, 1880
By E. Dreyfous
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique miniature table clock is small but perfectly formed, featuring a delicate inlay of precious stones. From the highly respected clockmaker Edouard Henry Dreyfous...
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Silver and Precious Stone Miniature Table Clock by Dreyfous, 1880
Silver and Precious Stone Miniature Table Clock by Dreyfous, 1880

Silver and Precious Stone Miniature Table Clock by Dreyfous, 1880

H 6.3 in W 3.55 in L 6.3 in

Grand Tour clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,435 and tops out at $12,326 while the average work can sell for $11,769.

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