Neoclassical Clocks
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu, Patinated Bronze, And Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu, patinated Bronze, and marble clock signed by Germain, Paris, 1825. The clock is elegantly raised on a white Carrara marble...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
By Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain decorated in the Sevres style. 'ER', the mark of French clockmaker Ernest Royer, active in the later 19th Century, is stamped on the underside of the ormolu mounts. There are three Sevres style porcelain plaques in total, all set on turquoise ground: the plaque to the front of the clock depicts a cherub and a nymph as well as containing the clock face with Roman numerals. The two sides of the clock case feature further porcelain plaques, which portray Neptune, Aurora and mermaids. The rectangular ormolu clock case is surmounted by a putto with a dog. There is a neoclassical pilaster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This endearing French mantel clock combines lustrous ormolu and sumptuous white marble, making for a light and yet majestic work that perfectly compliments the masterfully executed N...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Miniature Mignonnette Brass Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass circa 1900
Located in Savannah, GA
This brass Mignonnette No.3 carriage clock features a rectangular
top with folding handle over rectangular beveled glass
escapement. The four beveled glass sides are held by plain
og...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Brass, Enamel
$475 Sale Price
48% Off
Gilt Bronze Cylindrical Mantel Clock with Emblems of Love
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze cylindrical mantel clock with emblems of love
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 40cm, diameter 17cm
This fabulously quirky mantel clock is modelled to depict Cup...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu, black Belgian and white Carrara marble clock, signed Vaillant à Paris. The clock is raised by a black Belgian marble base with fine ormolu topie feet and striking fitted ormolu plaques...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze and Siena Marble Minerva Clock
Located in Bradenton, FL
A luxurious and elegant Neoclassical patinated and gilt bronze Minerva standing leaning on the clock, classically robed wearing a turban and standing on...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock
French, early 20th Century
Height 60cm, width 39cm, depth 18cm
This elegant mantel clock is crafted from giltwood and designed in a classical style. The clock features a large circular enamel dial set within a giltwood drum. The drum is surmounted by an urn finial and is supported atop an entablature complete with floral motifs and large ball finials. The entablature is raised on four columns, each with a profile bust capital, which in turn are set on a base raised on toupie feet. The base also hosts a carved seated figure...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Enamel
Italian Red Grain Painted and Gilt Decorated Tall Case Clock, c1790
Located in valatie, NY
This clock stands tall with original red grained paint and decorative gilt details. The works are early 18th century English with a calendar movement and are signed "Tanpium." The ca...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Metal
French 3-Piece Palatial Dore Bronze Garniture Clock Set
Located in MC Leansville, NC
Step into the lavish splendor of French high design with this Antique Three-Piece Palatial Dore Bronze Garniture Clock Set. A triumph of opulence and artisan mastery. Dripping in rad...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
C. 1910 James Rankin Junior Adam Style Eight-Day Mantle Clock with Faux Marble
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite mantle clock, crafted around 1910, features an exposed escapement and an eight-day movement, requiring winding only once a week. The clock is driven by a striking mech...
Category
Early 20th Century Scottish Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bardiglio Marble Japy Freres Clock Set
By Japy Frères
Located in Forney, TX
A fabulous over one hundred and sixty year old Parisian neoclassical style Bardiglio marble three piece mantel set.
Born in Paris, France in the mid 19th century, featuring an an...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Wall Hanging Master Clock - W1503 ON HALF OFF SALE.
By Master
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Wall Hanging Master Clock - W1503
This is a rare antique wall hanging master clock. It is from a rare maker - the first time we’ve seen anything from them in 50 years! In ver...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Oak
$450 Sale Price
50% Off
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Mantel Clock with Apollo, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large fire-gilded bronze pendulum clock on lion's paws with a rectangular pedestal featuring lyre and torch motifs. Above it rises the full-figure depiction of the god Apollo with a ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire, Rouge Marble Dore Bronze Mounted Figural Clock
Located in Roslyn, NY
This early 19th century Empire style figural clock with a snake as the hands on the clock is set on wonderful rouge marble and a pedestal base. The four corners are marked with four wonderfully detailed doré bronze figure heads, The front is decorated with beautiful filigree and ribbon detail, the sides are decorated with two butterflies and filigree work. There are clock parts...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$7,500 Sale Price
30% Off
Continental Austrian Gilt Mantel Clock
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Austrian (18th Century) gilt wood and blue glass panel mantel clock with a pediment (signed: Wieneslaus Wilfarthm, Koniglicher Hoff, UHR Macher) (Not working)
Category
18th Century and Earlier Austrian Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
Large Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock Allegory of Time
Located in Nashville, TN
Estate lawyer direct must sell to settle probate .Presents very well with carved urns, parfum, floral bouquets, garlands and pyramid. Worn condition overall. Rubbing and chipped losses to gilding revealing red bole and bare wood in areas. Chipped losses to carved elements in areas. Some dirt accumulation. Wear around urns on plinth. Later metal back and glazing to bezel. With losses. Worn dial, embossed copper. Oxidation. With later associated sunburst pendulum. Original key. Working condition not guaranteed. Small dents and dings and time wear to finish . Most Photos of Giltwood case taken outside for true lighting...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Bronze n Marble Classic Revival Clock by Claude Hemon early 19th century
By Claude Hemon
Located in Sweden, SE
Monumental timepiece in Neoclassical style decorated with fine bronze crater vase on the top of the marble Stella. Clock was produced by renown maker of early 19th century Claude Hém...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Huge Mantel Clock in Bronze Style Neoclassical
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very unsual clock in the style neoclassical in ormolu bronze each detail on the side bronze clock and front are stunning.
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Historism Antique Chimney Clock Pendule
Located in Berlin, DE
Watch case standing on 4 feet. Bronze case crowned with a decorated Amphora.
Digits sheet: Arabic / Roman
Very richly ornate corpus with lush ornaments. An absolute eye-catcher.
Cloc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
$1,585 Sale Price
20% Off
Huge Antique French Gilt Bronze Classical Clock Set 19th century Acanthus leaves
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Most impressive this large antique French classical Clock set from late 19th century France.
The candelabras are huge and impressively decorated with acanthus leaves. They have pla...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Neoclassical French Figural Brass & Green Onyx Candelabras & Clock Set
Located in New Milford, CT
This exquisite antique Neoclassical French candelabras and clock set is a masterpiece of 19th-century craftsmanship. Standing 21 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 6 inches deep, this ...
Category
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Clock Set, Bronze, Rouge Griotte, Etc, France, 19th C. After Clodion
Located in Madrid, ES
Clock garnish and two candlesticks. Bronze, rouge griotte marble. France, 19th century, following Clodion's models.
Set or garnish consisting of a table clock and two candlesticks ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Other
Restauration Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing Hera
Located in 263-0031, JP
A mantel clock from the French “Restauration” era of 1815-1830 in fire-gilt bronze. The dial is enamelled white and the hours are depicted with Roman numerals. The figure represents ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
$2,784 Sale Price
20% Off
Raingo Freres Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb French silver over bronze clock by Raingo Freres. Signed Raingo Frères on the dial and on the works, on a Rouge Griotte marble base.
Dimensions: Height 22" width 19 3/4" de...
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble
Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Regency monumental doré and patinated bronze ormolu-mounted on marble base clock adorned with figures of a Cherub and a Maiden, extremely large an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$7,500 Sale Price
42% Off
French 19th Century Neoclassical Empire Style Ormolu and Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular mid 19th century French Neo-Classical Empire st. ormolu and marble clock. The clock is raised on a rectangular Vert Maurin marble base with ormolu supports. Centered at...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Silvered Bronze and Ormolu Neoclassical Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
This charming antique French mantel clock is crafted by famous French maker, Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919). The work is rendered in the eleg...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
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 Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
$13,001 / set
Fine Sevres Porcelain Blue Celeste and Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
A rare and very fine 19th century Napoleonic era Sevres Porcelain mantel clock, The richly chased ormolu gilt bronze body inset with 11 p...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in gilt bronze. Neoclassical symbols such Cup...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
$4,500 Sale Price
40% Off
Antique Solid Silver Inscribed Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This charming silver mantel clock has a fascinating history, having probably been made as a commemorative item. It dates from the 19th century in Spain, and is the work of Spanish si...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Silver
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt bronze, and features the surmounting figure of Asteria seated with the figure of a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Striking carriage clock with a gilt-brass corniche case by Grohé, circa 1880.
A most attractive eight-day striking carriage clock, signed on...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Brass
Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie Red Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This fine and ornate antique clock set by Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie comprises a clock and two flanking candelabra. The asymmetrical clock is set on a red marble base with ormolu feet and features a central relief panel in patinated bronze. The circular red marble clock...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Neo-Classical Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive French 19th century neo-classical st. porcelain and ormolu clock. The clock is raised by fine scrolled ormolu feet below the beautiful deep forest green porcelain b...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze French Travel Watch Travel Alarm Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Old French travel watch with onyx applications. Squared roof. On the watch, a curved handle handle. Watchcase standing on four spherical feet. Left di...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Brass
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Bronze Empire Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century French dore bronze empire clock. With original key.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most decorative French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble three piece garniture set signed Japy Frères. The impressive clock, which Japy Frères won a gold metal for this clock in 1855, at the center is raised by a rectangular Rouge Griotte marble base with fine bun feet and a striking wrap around Coeur de Rai and pierced palmettes bands at the mottled border. The white enameled clock face displays pierced hands and Roman hour numerals set within the mottled ormolu bezel with intricately detailed beaded and foliate designs with two charming and most unique butterflies. A beautiful maiden is seated above draped in a wonderfully executed flowing garment while breastfeeding a charming winged cherub with an anchor, a quiver, and an ewer at their side. The pair of urns are displayed at each side and are each raised by elegant square bases with a bottom ormolu band and an exceptional wrap around mottled band. Above the square Rouge Griotte pedestal...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
By Jollet & Cie
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical 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 Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This large and impressive clock is by the renown French Bronzier Lemerle Charpentier & Cie. It features Classical maidens holding a large urn form case surmounted by Cupid with his ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Price Upon Request
Neoclassical clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th 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, more furniture and collectibles, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Ferdinand Barbedienne, Japy Frères, Raingo Frères, and Ansonia Clock Company. 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 $325 and tops out at $98,973 while the average work can sell for $11,768.