Ormolu Clocks
8
805
3
to
24
550
239
808
808
808
232
72
68
53
33
19
7
5
2
1
1
64
722
19
3
16
1
5
1
Height
to
Width
to
5,843
4,113
1,684
1,605
1,079
797
752
28
28
6
21
11
9
8
7
Material: Ormolu
Ormolu, White Marble and Tole Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute
By Lepaute, Francois Vion
Located in London, GB
This exceptional mantel clock was created in the early 20th century in France, inspired by an 18th century model by the famous metalworker, François Vion (French, 1737-1790). The clock’s design includes sculptures of the Three Graces holding up a spherical clock with a revolving, or ‘cercle tournant...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu, Tôle
French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 50cm, width 36cm, depth 12cm
This mantel clock, wrought from gilt bronze during the French Empire period, features a rectangular base, set above four bun feet, the front of the base adorned with a gilt bronze relief panel...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock set, which comprises of a mantel clock and a pair of vases, was designed in France in circa 1870 in a wonderful Renaissance Revival style. The set has been craft...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Rare Monumental Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Jules Graux of Paris
Located in London, GB
An Exhibition Quality Garniture de Cheminée
By Jules Graux of Paris
Of important size and supreme quality, the mantle clock constructed from white Carr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze, Brass
Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This ormolu clock is an exemplary work by the famous French 19th century metalworker and foundry-owner, Ferdiand Barbedienne. Working with a design made by the acclaimed onamentalist, Louis-Constant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Neoclassical Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Circular Movement Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style marble and gilt bronze circular movement mantel clock
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 82cm, width 26cm, depth 26cm
Crafted from the finest of materials, including beautiful white marble, gilt bronze, and patinated bronze, this unusually large mantel clock is a superb piece of neoclassical design. The clock features a white marble vase-shaped case, which houses its circular movement. The vase is set above a plinth form base, which is inset with gilt bronze relief panels...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Mounted Marine Themed Automaton Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze mounted marine themed automaton mantel clock
French, circa 1850
Measures: With glass dome and base height 90 cm, width 70 cm, depth 33 cm
Clock without dome and...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Mid-19th Century Gilt Bronze Strut Clock in the Style of Cole
Located in London, GB
Mid-19th century gilt bronze strut clock in the style of Cole. Original gilding and very fine engraving make this a most attractive clock. The pierced ormolu frame gives a very light...
Category
1860s English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Cartel Clock, by Beurdeley
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Louis XVI style gilt-bronze Cartel clock, by Beurdeley.
Signed 'A Beurdeley Fils à Paris'.
Surmounted by a ribbon tied globe the gilt-bronze case of this fine cartel cl...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Tortoiseshell Bracket Clock by Gros
By Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros
Located in London, GB
Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted tortoiseshell bracket clock by Gros
French, circa 1860
Measures: Clock height 90cm, width 52cm, depth 30cm
Bracket height 44cm, width 55cm, dept...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Neoclassical Style Lapis and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical style lapis and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th century
Clock height 52cm, width 39cm, depth 15cm
Vases height 38cm, width 16cm, depth 12cm
This be...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style porcelain and gilt bronze clock set by Barbedienne
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 53cm, width 27cm, depth 24cm
Candelabra: Height 56cm, width 19cm, dep...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large 19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent French mantel clock in patinated bronze and original ormolu. Modeled with figures of two classically dressed females sitting back to back against the clock drum and rea...
Category
19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Ormolu Mantel Clock pendulum France, Mid-Late 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A French ormolu mantel clock
French, mid-late 19th century
Measres: Height 37 cm, width 39 cm, depth 13.5 cm.
A late 19th century French gilt-bronze (ormolu) and marble mantel clock ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
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 Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu, Tôle
Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
The combination of sumptuous, lustrous ormolu and finely decorated Sevres style porcelain makes this mantel clock an exceptional piece. Built in France and retailed by the prestigiou...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Petite Sonnerie Ormolu Carriage Clock by Grohé with Calendar
Located in London, GB
A Petit Sonnerie carriage clock by Grohe of Paris
The gilt bronze case comprehensively engraved, and having a retractable carrying handle; the lever movement driving the petit son...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Pink Porcelain Clock by Japy Fréres in the Louis XVI Manner
By Japy Frères
Located in London, GB
A table clock in the Louis XVI Manner
By Japy Frères
The finely chased ormolu case is dressed with pink 'Sèvres' style hand decorated polychrome panels to the face and sides, dep...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Restauration Gilt Bronze Mounted Crystal Lyre Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Restauration gilt bronze mounted crystal lyre mantel clock
French, circa 1820
Measures: Height 67cm, width 23cm, depth 14cm
This superb mantel c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Napoleon III Lyre Clock with Ormolu Hands
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A superb Napoleon III Lyre clock by 'Raingo Press, Paris' with an exquistely painted enamel face and finely cast ormolu hands in the shape of lyre. The move...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Architecturally Formed Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French architecturally formed ormolu mantel clock
French, 19th Century
Height 52cm, width 28cm, depth 17cm
This beautiful Baroque style mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze. The highly detailed case takes the form of a piece of miniaturised architecture: a campanile of sorts, the top level contains the clock dial while the lower level, approached by shallow steps, is flanked by figurative sculptures and culminates in a bas relief frieze...
Category
19th Century French Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the art and culture of Classical Greece, this three-piece garniture contains a mantel clock and two candelabra. The rectangular body of the clock is of lapis lazuli and is surmounted by a Grecian vase...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Fine Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Long Case Clock by Lenoir, Paris
By Lenoir Paris
Located in London, GB
Louis XV style ormolu mounted long case clock by lenoirLenoir
French, Late 19th Century
Height 250cm, width 67cm, depth 36cm
This splendid Louis XV style long case clock was crafted in the late 19th century by E. Lenoir, and is shaped in a tall violoné form, surmounted by a gilt bronze figure of the deity of Time. Taking inspiration from Classical mythology, the circular dial made in enamel is signed 'Lenoir / A Paris,' which is in turn set above a gilt motif of putti within clouds blowing horns. A heart-shaped glass...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez
Located in London, GB
French Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Michelez
French, circa 1815
Measures: Height 47cm, width 20cm, depth 15cm
This beautifully formed and crafted mantel clock, dating to...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt-Bronze Clock with Enamel Numerals Attributed to Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze clock with enamel numerals attributed to Henri Picard
French, circa 1860
Measures: Height 73cm, width 45cm, depth 23cm
The elaborate case of this beautiful mantel clock has a large central circular dial with enamel Roman numerals for the hours and engraved on the edge with Arabic numbers for the minutes. The surmount is a gilt bronze group of Father Time, depicted as an elderly male figure seated on a circular globe. The quality throughout is exceptional, demonstrating the very best of 19th century craftsmanship.
This clock is after a design by André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642-1732) and similar to examples of equally fine quality and casting known to have been made by 19th Century bronzier Henri Picard (French, fl. 1831-1864), therefore we can attribute the case to Picard. The movement is stamped for Parisian clock...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Second Empire Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This three-piece mantel clock set contains a clock and two candelabra. The set was produced circa 1860, during the Napoleon III period, and demonstrates the eclecticism typical to de...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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...
Category
19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Gilt Bronze and Parquetry Standing Clock by Kahn in the Régence Style
By E. Kahn
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and parquetry standing clock by Kahn in the Régence style
French, early 20th century
Measures: Height 262cm, width 62cm, depth 17cm
This beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French Régence Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Circular Movement Mantel Clock by Leroy & Cie
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style circular movement mantel clock by Leroy & Cie
French, circa 1880
Measures: Height 72cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
This superb mantel clock, crafted from white marble, gilt bronze, and patinated bronze—takes the shape of an Amphora vase form case above a cylindrical stem and a circular foot, the stem and foot ornamented with classicising gilt bronze mounts. The foot of the vase sits on an architecturally formed plinth, which is decorated with inset gilt bronze relief panels...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
'Three Graces, ' Three-Piece Lapis and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This garniture comprises three pieces: a mantel clock and two flanking candelabra, the entire ensemble designed and ornamented in an ornate neoclassical style. The garniture is compo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
This clock set contains a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra. Unusually, the clock and candelabra are constructed entirely of gilt bronze. The bronze dial of the mantel clock is i...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze and Faience Clock Set in the Chinoiserie Style
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze and faience clock set in the chinoiserie style
French, late 19th century
Clock: Height 52cm, width 43cm, depth 18cm
Candelabra: Height 53cm, width 26cm, depth 1...
Category
Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Imposing 19th century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze striking Mantel clock. Flanked by two sitting cherubs and another two cherubs on top, this is another example of a fine French m...
Category
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Napoleon III Clock Garniture Designed by Sévin, Cast by Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt-bronze and porcelain mounted clock garniture, designed by Louis-Constant Sévin, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, The Movement by Japy Frères.
Frédéric Japy ...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large English Late 19th Century Ormolu Strut Clock in Manner of Cole
Located in London, GB
Large beautifully cut and engraved ormolu English Victorian strut clock in the manner of Cole. Silvered dial with engine turned centre with beautifully cut blued steel hands. 8 day l...
Category
1860s English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large 19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Clock Set, by Deniere, Paris
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large and impressive 19th century gilded ormolu and bronze Louis XVI style clock garniture, having a reclined classical lady reading, next to a white enamel clock face with an eigh...
Category
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Burr Walnut and Ormolu Desk Set Signed Appay a Paris
Located in London, GB
Burr walnut and ormolu desk set signed Appay a Paris. A very smart Parisian turn of the 19th century desk set comprising a pair of inkwells with a pin drawer and an 8 day clock above...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Antique French Empire style figural patinated bronze, gilt bronze and green marble clock depicting two neoclassical figures.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Louis XVI Style Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French gilded ormolu clock garniture, having a pair of five branch scrolling foliate candelabra either side. The white enameled clock face with ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Ormolu and Marble Clock Garniture
Located in New York, NY
Fine and important French ormolu and marble cherubs clock garniture
Comprising a clock and a pair of five-light candelabra.
Origin: Fr...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French Empire Style Lapis and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful early 20th Century clock set with later lapis veneer will make a stunning Neoclassical style addition to a mantelpiece and a bold i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock
Located in London, GB
An ormolu cased Cartel clock by Vincenti & Cie
Constructed in gilt bronze, depicting a well modelled figure of Father Time, carrying his scythe, with a winged cherub surmount, hou...
Category
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Early Tripod Table Clock by Thomas Cole with Glass Dome
Located in London, GB
An extraordinary rustic tripod table clock
by Thomas Cole
Retailed by E. White of London
The circular green velvet-clad base supporting three equidistantly spaced brass imitation logs, from which the clock and its mechanism are suspended; housed within a brass bezel conformingly styled as naturalistic logs, the circular etched and engraved gilt dial with elegant blued steel hands, marked at 6 o'clock "E. White, 20 Cockspur St, London", having the hours marked in Roman numerals; the tapered two-tier movement has a six wheel train with five-spoke crossings between spotted plates, the upper section fixed by blued steel screws to the backplate, enclosing a Brocot-style deadbeat escapement incorporating rubies and train to the centre wheel, the pendulum of most unusual design styled as a lidded cauldron over a simulated fire. Complete with a glass dome and key. The front plate numbered “1637.”
London made, circa 1861
Thomas Cole, (1800-1864)
Son of Thomas Cole Snr, a Somerset clockmaker, his history and works are fully recorded in 'Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking' by John B. Hawkins, published 1975, in Sydney. Known as a specialist in making decorative timepieces of the highest quality, Cole exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851; he warranted an 'honourable mention' in the Paris Exhibition of 1855 and the London 1862 Exposition International, where he was awarded a medal for 'excellence of taste and design'.
Hawkins discuss Thomas Cole's tripod clocks...
Category
19th Century English Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu, Bronze
French Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock Stamped in Bronze H. Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock of Classical design dating from the mid-19th century stamped in the mint and original Ormolu H. Picard. Numbered in the bronze, 1297. The original ormolu is in quite pristine and totally original condition. The case inset with painted porcelain panels with fruit and floral decoration in the classical style. The clock surmounted by a Bacchanalian mask and two handled vase with grapes, standing on six vase shaped feet on a velvet plinth...
Category
1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Late 19th Century Cut-Glass French Urn Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful French cut-glass and gilded ormolu Louis XVI style urn mantel clock. Measures: 41cm (16") high. Having 'hobnail cut glass pattern, two scrolling handles with winged lion ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu-Mounted Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality empire ormolu-mounted patinated bronze and rouge royale marble mantel clock.
The patinated bronze figures depicting cupid and psyche. Attributed to Pierre-Victor Ledure...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mounted Clock Set by Denière
Located in London, GB
This clock set contains a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra. The central mantel clock is formed of a rectangular gilt bronze mounted grey marble base. Raised on four gilt bronze ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI, Ormolu and Sevres Style Mantle Clock, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantle clock, having reclining putti holding garlands of flowers either side a vase of flowers, two serves style porcelain p...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mantel clock has been designed in an 18th century Rococo style, which was popularised by the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory. The clock has been expertly cast in bronze a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer
By Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This beautiful gilt bronze (ormolu) clock set was crafted, circa 1870 in France. The set is designed in a rich Rococo style, after decorative art of the Louis XV period (1715-1774).
...
Category
1870s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
French Napoleon III Ormolu and Marble Carriage Clock signed by Ed. Chartier
Located in London, GB
A beautiful French Napoleon III ormolu carriage clock, with all five panels mounted in red marble. The marble panels overlaid with original gilt bronze neoclassical figures and acant...
Category
1880s French Antique Ormolu 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 Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Vaillaint a Paris
Located in London, GB
Superb quality French Empire ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock in a beautifully restrained case. The casting and gilding of the finest quality. A classically dressed maiden st...
Category
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Small Ormolu French Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Small French Ormolu Cartel clock in a finely decorated case.
Enamel dial with Roman numerals and original gilded hands.
Eight day Fr...
Category
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Louis XV Style Ormolu Grandfather Clock
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine 19th century french Louis XV style ormolu-mounted mahogany grandfather clock, having wonderful gilded ormolu mounts, with three cherubs in clouds around the white and black en...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Ormolu Mantle Clock in the Louis XV Rococo Style
Located in London, GB
An Elegant Mantle Clock
In the Louis XV Manner
The clock and its plinth executed in gilt bronze in a dynamic rococo style, rising from scrolling foliage, the dial in the shape of a ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French ormolu mantel clock standing on a stepped base and resting on turned, chased feet with acanthus leaf decoration below a finely chased...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Three-Piece Tortoiseshell and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French three-piece tortoiseshell and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th century
Clock: Height 55cm, width 26cm, depth 15cm
Candelabra: Height 46cm, width 22cm, depth 20cm
...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Ormolu Clocks for Sale on 1stDibs
Antique ormolu clocks and other 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 — older French ormolu clocks are especially coveted today — ormolu is still widely loved by contemporary designers and collectors.
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.
If you're looking to bring a touch of this 19th-century pizzazz to your desk, an antique ormolu desk clock is a decorative touch that blends ornament and functionality. The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier. Indeed, an ormolu clock is an object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. (This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles!)
Today, antiques collectors and interior designers seek out the finest in antique ormolu clocks and 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 desk clocks, wall clocks, mantel clocks and other furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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