French Mounted Objects

Rare and important French Napoleonic ink stand with female sculpture. This hand-crafted and sizable ink stand of marble and gilt bronze is signed by the renowned French sculptor Mar...

Symbolic and meaningful work of religious art. Since the original by Donatello is in a museum somewhere, this beautiful bronze wall plaque 'after Donatello' is the best specimen you will be able to find anywhere. The original 'Mary and Child...

Stunning pair of antique bronze statues of the highest quality. If you are interested in exceptional antiques in general and in Egyptian Revival antiques in particular then this stu...

The exceptional bronze casting, in stunningly intricate detail, on this beautiful sculptural piece has been attributed to master metalworker Ferdinand Barbedienne. The piece takes th...

A Beautiful Empire style malachite orb on a bronze doré stand retour d'Egypte of 3 figures of standing maidens with a pine cone in the center an detailed crown holder hosting a large...

A very ornate French antique ewer urn with a gleaming, red ceramic jug body and gilt bronze foot and trimmings, dating from the beginning of the 20th century ...

Large fruit vase Napoleon III - Empire 19th Century made of crystal and bronze. A bright crystal flowerpot is mounted on a spiral rod formed by two swim...

French Bronze Equine Statue after Pierre-Jules Mene. Fabulous French animalier bronze features an elegant horse captured in an energetic pose. Bowing...

An exceptional example of a fine pair of chisel cast French Patinated Bronze Figures after Claude Michel Clodion (1738-1814) in very dark brown patination. Mid-19th Century. Firmly a...

This very fine pair of French bronze figures are by the highly acclaimed French sculptor Jean Baptiste Germain (1841 0 1910). They depict...

Beautiful antique bronze tazza, a bowl on a high foot. The bowl is decorated with graceful flowers and dates from the late 19th century. Multicolored patina. The bowl is signed Oudry, a well-known French designer of bronze statues and ornamental objects. The tazza is of a very fine quality and in good condition. L. Oudry & Cie stands for Leopold Oudry...

Superb Example of French lidded grand tour ormolu & bronze cast heavy duty model of a two handled Urn of Museum quality. First quarter of the Nineteenth Century, possibly Regency per...

Gilt bronze sculpture on black marble basement. Creation by Studio Glustin.

Stunning antique bronze of the goddess of hunting, of women and of the moon. She also is a great talking piece. The original Diana of Gabii is a lifesize marble statue...

Bronze Art Deco Pair of Leaping Gazelle on Marble Base. A unique silhouette style bronze piece showing the natural movement of these animals is from Europe. I always love the leaping...

An Exceptionally Well Cast Dark Patinated Bronze Grand Tour Figure Modelled as a Standing Robed and Bearded Male, supporting a knapsack across his right shoulder. Last half of the ...

Fine quality well cast dark olive green patinated bronze of a young male Skater of generous size, complete with its original well grained Sienna Marble Circular Stepped Base. Thi...

This stunning Art Deco sculpture was produced in France, circa 1930 and procured in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It features a dancing nude female form in bronze holding a pheasant in each arm. The piece sits on a cylindrical exotic black marble pedestal with a cylindrical body, wrapped in a beveled ring...

Mid 19th century pair of Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted and ormulu Cassolettes / decorative urns. Each casollette featuring a covered embellisment foliate garlands, berried fini...

Exceptional antique French bronze architectural element used as decorative object of art. Beautiful oxidized green-turquoise patina, lion heads vines and Greek key motif. one of a ki...

A cast Bronze Tiger by James Andrey produced in the 1920’s in France, this Tiger has been fitted to a rough cut marble base with ANDREY inscribed Age: 1920 Style: Bronze Sculpt...

An exceptional example of a chisel cast French Patinated Bronze Figural Group of a Satyr and a male Figure holding a Baby Bacchus after Claude Michel Clodion (1738-1814) in dark pati...

This stunning stylized bronze stallion sculpture was realized in France by the renowned sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) in the mid 19th Century....

This impressive model of the nude holding a dove towering 34" high is the largest and rarest size made. A fine original French Art Deco polished nickeled bronze and black Belgian marble statue by Amadeo Gennarelli; signed Gennarelli in the stone base. The figure called "Le messager", the messenger is the original name created by the artist. In addition to the artist's signature, this sculpture bears the original label inscribed with this title and date 5...

Exceptional antique French bronze architectural element used as decorative object of art. Beautiful oxidized green-turquoise patina, lion heads and vines Greek key motifs, one of a k...

Art Deco Whippet sculpture in bronze by Bayre Antoine-Louis Bayre ( 1795- 1875 ) The Whippet, this bronze was cast around 1880 and signed Bayre fitte...

White Carrara marble carved sea shell with gilt bronze child reaching for a patinated bronze crab. Wonderful ring tray for bedside or even a soap dish. Or just a whimsical tabletop s...

Small size, early 1900s Gothic Revival light fixture. In architecture, a chimera or grotesque is a fantastic or mythical figure used for decorative purposes, but in the 12th and 1...

One of a kind Gothic pendant from circa 1900. With antique light fixtures as one of our specialties we recognize a rare and good quality specimen when we see one. And this amazing G...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare early 19th century solid bronze with marble base Grand Tour model of the Arc De Triomph by the world renown French company of LeBlanc Freres...

An Art Deco bronze sculpture by Darcles entitled “Nu Allonge” (Reclining Nude) on a marble base. Created in 1925 and embodying all the stylistic elements of the Deco Era and executed...

Stylish example of a pair of heavy well cast Grand Tour bronze seated figures of two amorino (infant cupid or cherub) probably of French origin, early nineteenth century. Each fig...

A cast bronze bird sculpture by Philippe Jean, French artist, designer and sculptor. Mounted on a black wood cube base. Signed and numbered. PhJean 8...

Dore bronze and silvered bronze cherub on rouge marble base. Lobster motif. Signed by artist Pegale. Very finely detailed.

19th century French patinated bronze sculpture of a faun, child satyr after Clodion This beautiful sculpture of outstanding quality in Rococo style is a finely cast bronze pan...

Large Art Deco era sculpture of an athletic male working. This large and powerful sculpture makes a great centre or desk piece, but it will look beautiful on a side table or credenza as well. The French artist Jean Marie Camus (1877-1955) who also exhibited at the Salon in Paris perfectly captured the body posture of this muscular young man when pulling a log out...

Semi antique and beautifully gilded French chandelier. This beautifully gilt French chandelier both on and off will literally light up the ro...

!8th century French Rococo bronze frame mounted on a velvet covered wood back. Very rare in its rich detail of winged cherubs. This piece was once most certainly a frame for an impor...

French gilt bronze harp, 19th century. On marble base.

One of a kind and highly stylish bronze table lamp. In Greek mythology Zeus is best known as the ruler of heaven and earth and as the father of all gods and mankind. In this beautif...

1970s mounted agate slice on bronze and smoked Lucite base. Great vintage condition.

A very fine pair of Louis XVI period candlesticks of unusual form. Each with an ovoid white marble body issuing a floral spray with a flower head nozzle, supported by three curved mo...

This stunning antique French fireplace is unusual for its stylistic fusion, which combines motifs from a range of different design periods. Most striking are the neo-Gothic depict...

Constructed of a patinated bronze frame with twin circular ormolu acanthus scroll surmounts on either side, joined by the central fender and steel bar above. Dating to the French ...

A very fine quality carved white marble bust of a Grand Tour classical maiden, with down cast head and exotic head dress, late nineteenth century This exceptional piece rests on ...

A very fine pair of french late empire patinated bronze & well grained sienna marble grand tour twin handle Tazza of large and heavy proportions First quarter of the Nineteenth C...

French bronze boy Ormolu match holder rouge marble Consistent with age and use please see the photos for condition  

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10" high x 9" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...