Ormolu Furniture

An extraordinary Louis XV period (1715-1774) French ormolu mounted tulipwood and kingwood marquetry bombé sauteuse commode by master Parisian ébéniste André-Antoine Lardin. circa late 1740s In our 40+ years we have not came across a chest of drawers that captures our attention like this one! Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris in the mid-18th century, exceptionally executed in opulent and luxurious period King Louis 15th taste, featuring a curvacious serpentine-front bombe-form solid wood case fitted with two drawers, adorned with finely chased, chiseled and gilded bronze doré mounts, including rare and most distinctive sculptural fiolated scroll Rocaille handles, flanking ornate keyhole escutcheons with original key included. In absolutely stunning rare and exotic precious tulipwood and kingwood veneer work with striking warm rich highly figured grain patterns, elegant floral marquetry inlays and fascinating early sunburst panels. Topped with the original serpentine shaped Brèche de Médous marble-top with stepped molded edge. The Breccia de Médous is extracted in the towns of Médous and Asté, near Bagnères-de-Bigorre in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This dramatic breccia is composed of angular elements of contrasting colors ranging from black to yellow to gray creating a bold but subdued visual display. Signed, retaining the original LARDIN blind stamp to top proper-right rear post underneath marble. André-Antoine Lardin (1724-1790) is a celebrated Master Cabinetmaker, earning maître in 1750, and particularly respected for his extraordinary woodworking veneer - marquetry work. - PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: From the important collection of Loyd-Paxton, Dallas, Texas. Property from the magnificent Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morris Graham Sr., El Paso, Texas, but also with homes in Dallas, Texas and Pebble Beach, California. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. 2024 Furniture & Decorative Art Featuring The Collection of Mrs. Henry Ford II Signature Auction Catalog #8167 Loyd Paxton Gallery, Dallas, Texas. With one of the finest collections in the world and prominent customers to match, including Sir Elton John, Truman Capote, Saudi Prince Faisal, and the Sultan of Brunei. Rare French antiques from Loyd-Paxton made their way into Versailles when it underwent renovations, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York purchased furnishings, including a dazzling Louis XIV Boulle desk that had been owned by the Sun King himself. Betty Jo Graham might not hold celebrity status but her remarkable life and many contributions to American history and the arts community of El Paso, Texas, make her deserving of the limelight nonetheless. Affectionately known to her friends as BJ, led a remarkable life that intertwined a deep passion for music with significant contributions to her community and country. BJ embarked on her vocal journey at the age of 12, studying under the esteemed Mini Ferguson Owens at the University of Wichita. Her pursuit of musical excellence continued in the same institution, where she later attended college. BJ's life was not solely dedicated to music; she also played a vital role in American history. During the tumultuous times of World War II, she contributed her skills to the Cessna AT-17 training program, a crucial effort in preparing pilots for combat. She worked as an electrical wiring diagram analyst for Boeing Engineering Development on the iconic Enola Gay project in 1956. BJ's heart always remained with music. She continued to refine her vocal skills with notable figures such as Maude Douglas Tweedy in New York City and John Charles Thomas in Apple Valley, California. Her love story with Robert Morris Graham Sr., whom she married in 1975, was filled with shared adventures and travels across the globe, living in places from Dallas, Texas, to Pebble Beach, California, and El Paso, Texas. As a trustee of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and a board member of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra and El Paso Pro-Musica, she played a pivotal role in nurturing the musical landscape of her community. Her support extended to various causes, including the El Paso Opera, Holocaust Museum, Museum of Art, and many more, showcasing her belief in the transformative power of art and culture. Betty Jo Graham's journey through life reflects a profound dedication to her passions, community, and the arts. Her legacy, marked by her music, history, and philanthropy contributions, inspires and impacts many, ensuring that her melodious spirit will be remembered and cherished for future generations. After traveling the globe and living in cities across the country, Graham and her husband, Robert Morris Graham Sr., eventually settled in El Paso, where she served as a trustee of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and a board member of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra and El Paso Pro-Musica. Though Graham had a lifelong passion for music and played a pivotal role in nurturing the musical landscape of her community, her philanthropy extended to various causes, including the El Paso Opera, El Paso Holocaust Museum and El Paso Museum of Art, showcasing her belief in the power of art and culture. A patron of the arts, Graham was also a collector of fine jewelry, with a particular fondness for eye-catching, statement-making rings, necklaces, earrings and more, and Heritage was honored to present Property from the Estate of Mrs. Betty Jo “B.J.” Graham as part of its Spring Fine Jewelry Signature Auction. Inscription to placard on reverse: FROM THE COLLECTION OF LOYD-PAXTON DALLAS, TEXAS Signatures: Original blind stamped LARDIN to top of rear post. Bronzes not removed to inspect for foundry marks. - DIMENSIONS: (approx) 33" High, 42" Wide, 20.75" Deep - CONDITION REPORT: Overall a superb example, especially considering its nearly 300 years old. Beautifully aged warm patina, antique wood glow and lustrous sheen. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Evidence of restorations, likely by Loyd-Paxton, including high-quality bespoke upholstered drawer lining. Typical wear commensurate with age, use, handling and exposure, including minor nicks to edge, age splits scattered throughout body, expected antique character and charm. Marble top is in great shape. Accompanied by two working keys. Overall outstanding presence, delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished patina, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! - INTERESTING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This elegant commode typifies the fashion for furniture mounted with exotic and rare woods, exquisite marquetry-work, and decadent Rococo bronzes. Andre Antoine Lardin, also known as N.B. Lardin was born in 1724 and died on 10 August 1790. He held his master's title from 1 July 1750 and was particularly respected for the exceptional quality of his veneering / marquetry. A well known and regarded maître ébéniste, Lardin’s career is somewhat thinly documented, most likely due to the upheaval and record destruction during the Revolution, notably when the guilds in Paris and elsewhere were abolished in 1791. Lardin worked for various marchand-mercier (furniture dealers) and probably also for a private clientele. He ran his workshop first in the Rue de Charenton and from 1770 in the Rue Saint-Nicolas. His two sons, André Antoine II and Louis François, worked with him for some time and the second-named became his successor in the Rue Saint-Nicolas. Lardin is known to have worked for the marchands André-François Carré, this superb commode having almost most certainly been commissioned through the intervention of one of these fashionable dealers. The marchand-mercier André-François Carré, is recorded rue Froidmanteau, "Magasin de glaces, porcelaine ébénisterie et curiosités pour les cabinets d'histoire naturelle." Carré also worked with two vernisseurs (vernis Martin): Porchon and Prévost. All of Lardin's furniture is classic in form and decor, well crafted and mostly veneered in rosewoods or violet wood. Lardin worked in the taste of the time with geometric patterns, cartouche fields and simulated fluting. Furniture with elaborate inlays such as birds, trophies, urns, landscapes, or flowers and sunburts such as this stunning example appear more rarely. The stamp JME stands for Jures Menuisiers Ebeniste and notes the guild affiliation of the master. The Corporation des Menuisiers-Ébénistes was a French craft guild which was concerned with the profession of woodworking. Some JME stamps are worn down from the marble slab over the years and no longer apparent, but in this case lacking the JME stamp is likely indicative of work made prior to reaching maître ébéniste (master cabinetmaker), denoting an early and exceedingly scarce example. Eighteenth century French furniture...

A most spectacular and sensational quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. clock in ormolu signed ‘BEURDELEY À PARIS’. The large scaled clock is raised by bun supports decorate...

A French Sevres style cobalt blue lyre clock with finely cast ormolu sunburst and floral swagged mounts with jewelled bezel, pretty floral swa...

A stunning and extremely high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu, Baccarat crystal, and rock crystal candelabras. Each six arm candelabra is raised by a triangu...

Dimensions - H: 5 in W: 8 3/4 in D: 3 1/2 in This beautiful antique 19th century bronze ormolu interior fitted jewelry casket with Wedgewood plaque inserts is made of the highest qu...

An exceptional and fine library breakfront bookcase by Antoine Krieger of Paris In the Empire taste, this wonderful piece shows careful selection of matched flame mahogany veneers, contrasted by finely chiselled mercury gilded ormolu bronze mounts. The glazed, four door upper section is surmounted by ormolu laurel wreath victory garlands, and acanthus leaves to the cornice, the lower four blind doors having central caduceus mounts, emblematic of Mercury’s staff; the outer doors showing central Apollo masks, with acanthus leaves in a cruciform pattern; the cornered motifs being rosettes with conforming acanthus leaves; the pilaster columns are capped by stylised Tuscan capitals. The four oak lined drawers have Grecian Lyre backplates to the handles, and the locks are signed by the maker. The bookcase is elevated on toupie ‘cotton reel’ feet. The very finest workmanship has gone into this piece, as evinced by the ethereal ‘gold dust’ ormolu mounts, with the crispest of ciselure, and the breathtaking quality of the mahogany veneers. This piece, originally conceived by Percier and Fontaine, adopting the decoration from the Antique, is signed by Antoine Krieger of Paris. Circa 1860 Percier and Fontaine published in 1812 the ‘bon ton’ design collection, ‘Recueil des Decorations Interieurs...

A magnificent large scale French 18th century Coromandel and ormolu Grandfather Clock, by André Furet. This very unique and high quality clock is raised by rectangular base with a li...

Louis XVI style side table writing table / nightstand with ormolu mounts. Unusual small writing table in fine Louis XVI style in mahogany featuring a block bronze lined top featurin...

Kingwood, Vernis Martin and Gilt-Bronze mounted side cabinet by Linke French, Late 19th Century Height 127cm, width 147cm, depth 50cm Made in the late-nineteenth century in the height of the French Belle Époque, this exceptional ormolu, kingwood, and Vernis Martin cabinet...

A beautiful and most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sèvres porcelain and ormolu centerpiece. The oblong shaped centerpiece is raised by a square ormolu base with arched si...

Fine early 20th century gilt bronze mounted Louis XV style side/writing table by François Linke François Linke – Index Number 49 The shaped rectangular fleur de pecher marble top, ...

A striking and highly decorative pair of large French Napoleon III cassolettes, crafted in the late 19th century. Each piece features finely cast and chiseled ormolu (gilt bronze) m...

An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock. The eight-day two train bell striking movement, with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement and stamped with S. Marti et Cie MEDAILLE D'ARGENT. 1889 roundel and serial number 647 to backplate. The dial formed as a deep blue and gold flecked enamel dome applied with gilt Roman numerals and stars set within billowing clouds interspersed with sunburst rays. Applied with three patinated bronze cherubs in flight, around the dial attending to a floral garland. Amongst the clouds can be found a pair of doves, a horn and arrows, a quiver and bow. This coupled with the cherubs and flower garland would suggest this clock was made as a love token or wedding present. The symbolism of love, marriage and fertility, the cherubs representing the three Greek Erotes...

An Exceptional and Handsome French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock Time Piece of outstanding quality. Made in France and retailed by J N Masters Sussex, England. Mid to late...

A Late 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted, Parquetry Tulipwood and Kingwood with Tooled Brown Leather Inset Top Lady's Bureau Avec Cartonnier made out of 6 top drawers flabk...

A Remarkable Pair of Ormolu-Mounted Marble Candelabra by Sormani of Paris After the originals by Jean-François Lorta (1752-1837) Residing at the Louvre Constructed from the unusual...

A spectacular French 19th century Louis XIV st. ebony, brass and ormolu cabinet, in the manner of A.C. Boulle. The exquisite cabinet is raised by elegant arched shaped supports with ...

A very fine & large pair of 19th century antique French Sevres Porcelain, ormolu and champleve enamel, handpainted ewers, signed "C. Rochette", circa 1890. Each ewer having a finely cast & gilded bronze rococo handle, each neck is decorated with exquisite champleve enamel. Each ewer having a dark blue porcelain baluster shaped body, with two oval hand-painted reserves each with a courting couple signed "C. Rochette", both reserves are surrounded with lavish gilding & at the base of each painted panel are the Sevres interlaced L's. To the rear are corresponding panels also finely handpainted with landscape scenes, the ewers are raised on champleve socle bases and with onyx plinths below. Condition of both ewers is excellent, a very beautiful pair of exqusite late 19th century Sevres ewers...

Handsome diminutive size French Louis XVI lady's writing table constructed of mahogany and featuring a black leather top with gold Greek key border, foliate bronze ormolu mounts and ...

Set of three large Sèvres style porcelain vases with gilt bronze pedestals. French, Early 20th Century Large Vase: Height 162cm, width 63cm, depth 48cm. Large Vases Pedestal: Heig...

This sophisticated gilt bronze mantel clock is an elegant piece of mid-19th century design, beautifully cast and gilded and set with two delicate Sèvres style porcelain panels. The clock case's finest feature is the charmingly naturalistic scene at its top, showing a full-length sculpture of a female figure sitting with a basket and two doves. They are displayed on a naturalistic, oval-shaped plinth, which is decorated all around its exterior with painstakingly intricate foliate motifs. Either side of the plinth there are two Sevres style porcelain panels, each of which shows a winged putto. One putto is shown writing, while the other is shown holding a dove. Each is set inside a turquoise blue border decorated with delicate gilt scrolls. In the centre of the plinth sits the clock dial, which is enamelled and contains Roman numerals. It is signed 'Prize Medal 1851 / Miroy Fres Brevetes / Paris' after the clock's maker, Miroy Freres...

Pair 19th Century French Monumental Obelisks. Exquisite design, must see photos.

Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche France, circa 1870s An exquisite Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche from France, circa the 1870s. This...

A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.  

Single Tea Caddy Compartment From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to bring to market this Antique French Boulle Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy o...

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...

A breathtaking example of French artistry, this Antique Sèvres Bleu Céleste Porcelain Jewelry Casket epitomizes opulence and refinement. Crafted in...

2 French Mid-Century (1940s) ebonized square coffee tables with a gilt bronze rim and trim with a gold leaf inset top and tapered square legs. (MAISON JANSEN) (PRICED EACH)

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH ONYX AND CHAMPLEVÉ URNS WITH ORMOLU MOUNTS ATTRIBUTED TO BARBEDIENNE From our Decorative collection, we are pleased to offe...

An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal centerpiece. The centerpiece is raised by a square bas...

Period Empire side chair: This highly stylized chair has brass inlay and ormolu features to include reclining goddesses, feathers and detailed Roman feet all newly upholstered in a b...

Pair of monumental gilt bronze and glass floor standing candelabra Crafted in the neoclassical style, this pair of floor-standing candelab...

An Exquisite and Fantastic Quality Pair of Mid 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Kingwood and Fruitwood Marquetry and Parquetry Cabinets – Béfort Jeune Mathieu Béfort...

Very Important Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Palatial Fireplace Surround – “Salon d’Hercules” Versailles The beautiful and rare Breche de Violette marble fireplace frieze is centered and ornated by a large bust of Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean lion carved in very high relief, on both sides are represented two cornucopias with realistic flowers and fruits, indicating abundance, the legs are decorated by expressive roaring lion heads, the heavy top backsplash is centered with a large bronze relief of a reclining Hercules surrounded by shells, laurel leaves, feathers and many other trophies. This fireplace is a copy of the original 18th Century model that was made for The Salon de Hercules in The Palace of Versailles...

A stunning and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period ormolu and Baccarat crystal sixteen glass and four decanter Cave à Liqueur. This beautiful liquor se...

Monumental Single Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Patinated Seven-Light Candelabra, Paris, Circa 1880 A large scale single Louis XVI style ormolu and patinated seven-light candelabra, ...

This is a stunning and unique antique Berlin framed porcelain plaque, circa 1870 in date. This magnificent plaque is oval in shape with an ...

Spectacular mercury-gilt bronze mantel clock Early 19th century, Empire–Restoration period Dimensions: 56 cm high, 40 cm wide, and 15 cm deep. Paris movement with Brocot suspension ...

This is a beautiful antique ormolu and agate mounted easel photograph frame, circa 1880 in date. The arched backplate features a wavy edge border having a pair of spring loaded a...

A remarkable ladies dressing table made by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. of London for his Highness Nawab Sir Sadiq Mohammed Khan Abbasi the V of Bahawalpur. Constructed in mahogany in the form of a kneehole desk with a modesty screen, rising from Chippendale style carved bracket feet, the banks of pedestals fitted with lockable faux drawers to the left, concealing a safe, and drawers to the right, fitted with ormolu chased swan neck handles; the lockable and hinged panelled top rising to reveal an adjustable triptych bevelled dressing mirror, with provisions for a pair of scallop shaded electrical lights, and having an enclosed body, fitted with an array of cut-glass unguent bottles, all with silver tops, Hall marked for 1929/30, enamelled with an Art Deco design, and bearing wonderfully detailed portraits of His Highness in regal dress...

A fine quality 19th Century French Plum pudding Mahogany, brass inlaid centre table, having four hinged compartments to the frieze, a frieze drawers with gilded ormolu mouldings, and...

An Exceptional Vernis Martin Cabinet-on-Stand In the Louis XVI Style By Henry Dasson Surmounted by its original double-moulded Brocatelle d’Espagne marble top and constructed from ...

Dutch Delft blue and white lamp. Beautiful large Delft faience vase mounted as a lamp with bold floral decoration and borders with spectacul...

This is an understated elegant antique Victorian burr walnut vitrine of square shaped form with serpentine glazed sides and fabulous ormolu mounts, circa 1870 in date.   This cabinet...

This large clock set, which is comprised of a mantel clock and pair of flanking candelabra, is designed in the style of Sèvres Porcelain manufactory goods. In the manner of Sèvres Po...

An elegant French 19th century Louis XV st. Rosewood, Kingwood, Tulipwood, ormolu, and Incarnat Turquin marble desk. The three drawer desk is raised by slender cabriole legs with fin...

Brass and tortoiseshell inlaid Boulle style ebonised wood cabinets French, late 19th Century Height 142cm, width 127.5cm, depth 49.5cm The ma...

Dimensions - H: 29 1/2 in W: 12 3/4 in D: 12 3/4 in A magnificent pair of 19th century French Louis XV style bronze mounted candelabras, masterfully executed by the esteemed foundry Susse Frères, and mounted on rare and highly decorative Breche Violette marble bases. These opulent candelabras exemplify the exuberance, asymmetry, and fluid ornamentation that define the Rococo revival period, interpreted through the refined lens of 19th century French decorative arts. Each candelabra features six scrolled candle arms with finely cast gilt hand chiseled bronze nozzles and bobeches, emanating from an ornate central stem adorned with acanthus leaves, rocaille flourishes, and naturalistic vines. The gilt bronze (ormolu) is of exceptional quality, showcasing the deep chisel work and intricate detail that distinguishes Susse Frères bronzes...

A late 20th Century Neoclassical Partial Gilt Decorated Fruitwood and Faux Marble Top Console Cabinet. One adjustable height shelf. Measures 32.75" in width, 12.5" in depth and 34" i...

A very good quality pair of 19th century lidded 'Sevres' porcelain lidded vases. Each having wonderful gilded ormolu mounts. Classical hand-painted scenes set on a Turquoise back gro...

An Exceptional Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Vernis Martin, Marquetry and Parquetry Cabinet By Beurdeley Louis Auguste Alfred Beurdeley The serpentine shape...

A Rare Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Cylinder Bureau. By François Linke, Paris. Index Number 100. France, Circa 1890. The top with three quarter pierced gallery. The cylinder front centred by a gilt-bronze foliate framed oval decorated with floral marquetry and a harp and books representing lyric poetry. Flanked by twin-light gilt-bronze candelabra. The roll-top enclosing an arrangement of four small drawers and five small compartments above a gilt-tooled green leather writing surface. The frieze fronted by a central drawer with spring-loaded secret release and faced with a relief-cast plaque of cloudborne putti representing the arts. The flanking drawers with gilt-bronze acanthus cast handles and fruiting cornucopia...

A handsome Louis XV style commode from France, circa 1800 or earlier. The fantastic charcoal marble top has a serpentine molded edge, conforming to the gentle undulations on the draw...

This large and impressive Louis XVI style clock set, crafted by J. Berthond of Paris during the 19th century, stands at a striking height of 59 cm. The set showcases a harmonious ble...

A magnificent and very high quality French 18th century Louis XV period Tulipwood, Kingwood, and ormolu Bureau Plat desk. The desk is raised by elegant cabriole leg with exquisite pierced fitted ormolu sabots with fine foliate designs and hoof feet below a delicate ormolu chute leading upwards to impressive richly chased ormolu masks of handsome bearded men. The apron displays three drawers separated by impressive curved foliate gadroon designs each displaying superb quarter veneered Kingwood...

A set of Belle Époque ormolu filigree perfume bottles and jewelry box showcasing the opulent craftsmanship associated with the late 19th and e...

Standout antique Louis XVI style desk crafted in walnut and mahogany featuring a banded leather top on a case with two drawers decorated with gilt brass ormolu and inlaid floral desi...

A Large and Exceptional Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Three Piece Garniture De Table By Baccarat Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat Comprising of a large cente...

Hardstone, ormolu and Boulle mounted ebonised wood sideboard French, Late 19th Century Height 114cm, width 178cm, depth 50cm This splendid sideboard, carved from ebonised wood, stan...

A Very fine French 19th century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood, Satinwood and Fruitwood Parquetry Kidney-Shaped secrétaire de dame (Lady's desk or writing table) with an enam...