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Ormolu Furniture

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Material: Ormolu
Two Neoclassical Early 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Two neoclassical early 19th century malachite and gilt bronze candelabra French, circa 1830 Dimensions: Height 68cm, diameter 25cm This superb pair of Charles X period candelabr...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Continental 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Rouge Royale marble pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and most decorative Continental 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Rouge Royale marble pedestal. This lovely pedestal is supported on a square stepped base with a mo...
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19th Century Unknown Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair Of French 19th Century NeoClassical St. Mahogany, Ormolu & Marble Pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Vert Campan marble pedestal tables. These two tiered stunning single drawer tables a...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted and Brass Inlaid Console Desserte, Late 18th Century
By C. Ceran
Located in Spencertown, NY
Louis XVI ormolu-mounted and brass inlaid console desserte, late 18th century, with inset white Carrara marble top and brass gallery above one long drawers supported by tapering flut...
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Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Brass

French Victorian Style Bronze Black and Gilt Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian-style (19/20th Century) bronze black and gilt chandelier with 3 scroll arms and a fluted center post with an acorn finial bottom.
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century rococo revival walnut and ormolu side table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautiful walnut inlaid side table circa 1830. Top surface with contrasting walnut veneers arranged into a symetrical design.  Shaped frieze with decorative ormolu mounts on each si...
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Mid-19th Century Swedish Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885.
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Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu, Mirror and Crystal centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu, Mirror and Crystal centerpiece. This attractive scallop shaped centerpiece is presented on a beautiful bevele...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Pair of French Antique Gilt Bronze and Porphyry Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of French antique gilt bronze and porphyry lamps French, Late 19th Century Lamps: Height 87 (tallest) / 75cm (shortest), diameter 21cm Shades: Height 32cm, diameter 50cm This...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Porphyry, Ormolu

Bohemian Black Amethyst Glass Box Attributed to Moser
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A black amethyst glass lidded vessel with ormolu mounts made in Bohemia (Modern Day Czech Republic), circa 1900. Although made 120 years ago, the piece's minimal design is timeless w...
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Early 20th Century Czech Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Empire Period North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, & Tôle-Peinte Cachepots
Located in New York, NY
An extremely rare and unusual Pair Of North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, and Tôle-Peinte Potted Hyacinths/Cachepots, Possibly Baltic, Circa 1815-1825. Each Modeled As A Tôle-Peinte Sp...
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Early 19th Century Baltic Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu, Tin

Antique French Ormolu and Blue Enameled Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a jewel of a box. The blue enamel is vibrant. The work is wonderful. Treat yourself to a treasure!
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

American late 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu Bouillotte lamp, signed Caldwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most elegant American late 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu Bouillotte lamp, signed Caldwell. This charming lamp is raised by an Ormolu socle surrounded by a pier...
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19th Century American Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Antique Delicate Ormolu and Crystal Candelabra, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of antique delicate ormolu and crystal candelabra, circa 1890.     
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Louis XV style gilt bronze 33-light chandelier
Located in London, GB
Louis XV style gilt bronze 33-light chandelier French, 20th Century Height 156cm, diameter 102cm This beautiful chandelier is crafted from gilt bronze in the Rococo style of Lou...
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20th Century French Rococo Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Louis XVI Style Circular Side Table
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and porcelain Louis XVI style circular side table French, late 19th Century Measures: Height 78cm, diameter 80cm This beautiful circular side table is designed in th...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Bonheur Du Jour by Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Porcelain and ormolu mounted bonheur du jour by Donald Ross. English, late 19th century. Measures: height 136cm, width 108cm, depth 62cm This beautifu...
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Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu pedestal clock, retailed by Tiffany & Co. This stunning clock is raised by a Rouge R...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock by Roque, Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu clock by Roque, Paris. The clock is raised by elegant circular mottled feet with fine wrap around foliate band...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Regency Period Gilt Lacquered and Bronzed Twin Branch Candelabra
By Hancock & Rixon
Located in Steyning, West sussex
An important pair of gilt lacquered and bronzed twin branch candelabra of unusual design the finely decorated square wasted bases surmounted by a bronzed figure of an old man resting...
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19th Century British Regency Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Pair of Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas with Amethyst Glass Bowls
Located in London, GB
A pair of mid-19th Century Bronze & ormolu Tazzas, with amethyst glass bowls above triform bases with winged classical ladies raised on gadrooned ...
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Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Exceptional French 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock and Candelabra Set
Located in London, GB
A Garniture de Cheminee by Japy Freres et Cie Constructed in two color gold ormolu, comprising a richly decorated mantle clock and two candelabra in ...
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19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Mounted Writing Table of Fine Quality
Located in Benington, Herts
An extremely fine 19th century French Louis XV Revival gilt ormolu mounted Kingwood bureau de dame / writing table. French, circa 1870. A very attractive and of the finest qua...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

A Very Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Center Table by Henry Dasson
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Fine Late 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Center Table by Henry Dasson Henry Dasson The brèche rouge circular marble top above a...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

A 19 C French Louis XIV Style "Meuble D'Appui" after a Model by Mathieu Belfort
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A french Louis XVI style grey marble topped Meuble d'Appui after a model by Mathieu Belfort.The ebonized cabinet is inlaid with brass and has all-over lavish gilded bronze mounts a...
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Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. Ormolu and Gilt Crystal vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. Ormolu and Gilt Crystal vase. This stunning vase is raised by an oval C shaped Ormolu base with foliate scrolls am...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Mid-19th Century Pair of Figured Burr Walnut and Glass Panel Cabinets by Gillows
Located in London, GB
A pair of burr walnut glazed side cabinets. By Gillows Designed in the Franglais manner combining English and French features, the side cabinets of serpentine outline veneered in...
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19th Century English Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

A Pair of Louis XVI Style Lacquer Commodes
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Petites Commodes Incorporating Exceptional Eighteenth Century Chinese Lacquer Panels. Stamped on the lock ‘Duvivier, Paris, 77 F St Antoine’. Each commode has a a shaped white marble top above a frieze with two short and one long drawer. Below is a cupboard door with a gilt-bronze framed lacquer panel flanked by two open shelves with gilt-bronze galleries. The commodes are raised on square section tapering legs with gilt-bronze caps. The commodes incorporate exceptional 18th century lacquer panels. The panels are of wonderful quality and unusual in that they incorporate amongst traditional oriental landscape and Palace scenes, figures in Western costume...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu Three-Arm Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely pair of French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu three arm sconces. Each sconce displays a striking and richly chased foliate back plate with fine acanthus leaves. The elegan...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Restauration Period Gilt Bronze and Semi-Precious Stone Surtout
Located in London, GB
This extraordinary surtout de table is crafted in five pieces, which all fit together to form an elongated oval shape. When fitted together, the surtout de table features an outer pi...
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Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Serpentine, Porphyry, Ormolu, Bronze

Italian Early 19th Century Solid Porphyry and Ormolu Urn, circa 1810
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent and monumentally scaled Italian early 19th century solid Porphyry and ormolu urn, circa 1810. The most impressive urn is raised by a circular base with a fine stepped and mottled border. At the center is an impressive and most decorative reeded design below the smooth elegantly curved body with richly sculpted scrolled handles at each side. Above the curved neck is the removable lid also decorated with a beautiful reeded design, mottled band, and centered by a striking ormolu acorn finial. All original gilt. Porphyry was Imperial Rome’s most prestigious stone for columns, vases, and other objects. The word “porphyry” comes from the Latin word for purple, which was the color of nobility to the Romans. Porphyry is considered the Imperial Stone of the Roman Empire. In the year 18 AD, the Roman Legionnaire Caius Cominius discovered a beautiful purple stone in the eastern desert of Egypt. It was a deep purple color with flecks of larger white crystals and was perfect for carving. This porphyry quickly became the most prestigious stone for the elite of Rome and Byzantium. For centuries the Romans quarried this treasured stone...
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19th Century Italian Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Porphyry, Ormolu

Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI architectural gilt bronze and malachite clock French, late 18th century Measures: Height 53cm, width 35.5cm, depth 11cm Crafted from ormolu and a later malachite venee...
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Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

19th century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Sevres style Centerpiece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and unusual 19th century French Sevres style Porcelain gilt-bronze mounted figural centerpiece. Having two molded cherubs holding birds on the handles of the masterfully ...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Chinese Sang Du Boeuf vases / candelabra, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and decorative pair of 19th century Chinese Sang Du Bouf lidded vases each with wonderful gilded ormolu Rococo style scrolling foliate candelabra mounts. Batch 83...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Egyptian Revival Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This clock set is designed in the Egyptian Revival style, which was in vogue in Europe and America in the 19th century. The fashion was kick-started by Emperor Napoleon I’s campaign in Egypt in 1798-1799. This led to the publication of ‘Le Description de l’Égypte’ (The Description of Egypt) in 1809 (and a second edition in 1830), which documented various aspects of Egyptian culture, including the pyramids, antiquities, ancient and modern buildings, Egyptian clothing...
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19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Alabaster gueridon side table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Alabaster gueridon side table. This stunning table is raised by a trio of ball feet supporting a triangula...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Ormolu Caduceus Wall Appliques, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Empire gilt bronze ormolu wall appliques of arms holding Caduceus staffs, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, metal, cord, ormolu Technique: cast,...
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Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Ormolu

Antique Pair Figurel French Bronze Ormolu Marble Classical Maiden Female Figure
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely stunning French chisel cast Patinated Bronze Classical standing Figures, draped in clothing. Mid to late Nineteenth Century. Firmly attributed to the work of Louis Valenti...
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Mid-19th Century French Early Victorian Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon III Black Cabinet with Ormolu and Silvered Mounts
Located in Dubai, AE
Napoleon III solid oak cabinet with ebony veneer and carved black marble top. The facade is framed with gilt bronze mounts of caryatids, and two doors are decorated with silver medal...
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1880s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III Period neoclassical style three-piece clock set. French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 58cm, width 47cm, depth 19cm Comprised of a mantel clock and two flanking c...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Renaissance Revival Style Ormolu Mounted Burlwood Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Renaissance Revival Style Ormolu Mounted Burlwood Side Table Measures 24.25" in width , 24.25" in width, 29.5" in height.
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Onyx pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Onyx pedestals. Each stunning pedestal is raised by a square base with a fine bottom and top folia...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock
Located in New York, NY
The large and elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble figural clock features a rectangular stepped base of dark green marble, raised on four gilt bronze feet cast with ...
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19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Fine Quality Pair of Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
The Pair of Louis XV Style E. Colin & Cie Paris foundry gilt bronze and rouge marble five light candelabras, of baluster form entwined by foliate ornament issuing the scroll arms, ra...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Bronze and Ormolu Clock, 19th Century, French, Silk Suspension Striking
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French bronze and ormolu eight day silk suspension striking clock contained in ornate case surmounted by well-cast and gadrooned urn...
Category

Early 19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Louis XVI Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Fine quality Louis XVI gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock of Venus with cherubs. Fine quality Louis XVI gilt and patinated bronze figural mantel clock of Venus with cher...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

A pair of Italian 18th century Louis XVI period Walnut and Ormolu commodes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and wonderfully designed pair of Italian 18th century Louis XVI period Walnut and Ormolu commodes. Each stunning commode with all of its original hardware is raised by fou...
Category

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette Marble and Ormolu pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette Marble and Ormolu pedestal. This stunning pedestal is raised by four Ormolu corner supports below...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra arbour set, 20cm overall height Crossed swords mark to rear of base of each porcelai...
Category

Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Empire Style Desk with Ormolu Mounts by Saddier et Ses Fils
Located in Dublin, IE
A fabulous 19th Century French Empire style well figured mahogany office desk, finely hand carved and of exceptional quality with rich patination, grain and decorated profusely with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and celadon Porcelain lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most elegant true pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and celadon Porcelain lamps. Each stunning pâte sur pâte Porcelain lamp is raised by an exceptio...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Cut Crystal and Gilt Bronze Dresser Box
Located in Montreal, QC
This dressing table casket is well-cut with diamond shaped panels and stylized fan shaped blazes. This motif is echoed by the decoration of palmettes in the gilt metal banding.
Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Fine and Unusual Napoleon III period antique French Boulle marquetry cabinet
Located in London, GB
Fine and Unusual Napoleon III period antique French Boulle marquetry cabinet French, c.1870 Height 165cm, width 174cm, depth 51cm This piece is a splendid, ebonised wood antique cabinet...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Brass

Louis XVI style Ebony centre table, attributed to Paul Sormani
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century Louis XVI style, Ebony, Marble topped, free standing centre table. Having wonderful gilded ormolu swag and scrolling foliate mounts, plaques depictin...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique parcel gilt and painted porcelain charger plate by Royal Vienna
Located in London, GB
Antique parcel gilt and painted porcelain charger plate by Royal Vienna Austrian, late 19th Century Frame: Diameter 53.5, depth 3.5 Plaque: Diameter 49cm, depth 2.5cm This beautiful charger plate was crafted by the famous Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory. Royal Vienna was founded in 1718, making it one of the first factories to produce porcelain goods in Europe. Antique Royal Vienna items are today held in important art collections, including the Uffizi in Florence, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection in New York. This charger is marked with the blue beehive-shaped shield of the Royal Vienna factory. The charger features a central painting, depicting the abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary was forced to renounce the Scottish throne...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Tall French Empire Bronze Doré Six-Arm Candelabra as Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French Empire period chased, gilded bronze six-arm candelabra converted into table lamps. The bases rise from triangular plinths supporting three winged sphinxes with...
Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Pair of Antique French Marble Top Bedside Chests
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique French marble top bedside chests. They were made in France and date from around the 1900-1920 period. The quality is fan...
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Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Cassolettes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very attractive pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble and ormolu cassolettes with all original gilt. The pair are raised by a thick square shaped marble ba...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Large cherub-themed gilt bronze clock garniture by Popon
By Popon A Paris
Located in London, GB
Large cherub-themed gilt bronze clock garniture by Popon French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 68cm, width 63cm, depth 26cm Candelabra: Height 89cm, ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze

Italian Early 19th Century Neoclassical St. Walnut Circular Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome Italian early 19th century neoclassical walnut, ebonized Fruitwood, ormolu and giltwood circular center table from Lucca. The table is raised by lovely ebonized Fruitwood ...
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19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Ormolu Clocks, Lamps and Other Furniture and Decorative Objects for Sale

Antique ormolu furniture and 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, ormolu is still widely loved by designers and collectors today.

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. “As the French reputation for supreme art, architecture and furniture developed, the craze for ormolu spread across Europe,” adds Sinai.

Today, antiques collectors and interior designers 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 furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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