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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
Antique Parisian Mantel Clock and Candelabra Set by Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique Parisian mantel clock and candelabra set by Denière et Fils French, 19th century Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 19cm Candela...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

French Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock French ormolu mantel clock standing on a beaded oval base and resting on a mahogany plinth. Floral swag decoration to either side of the dial. The enamel dial with Roman numerals, original ‘blued’ steel hands signed ‘HRY Marc, Paris. Finely painted porcelain panel...
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19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Mantle Clock Signed Caron a Paris Depicting Psyche & Cupid
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional early 19th century rouge marble, bronze and ormolu mounted neo-classical mantle clock depicting Psyche and Cupid. The 4 1/2 inch white enamel dial is signed Caron a Pa...
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Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique neoclassical style three-piece gilt bronze clock set French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 57cm, width 74cm, depth 23cm. Candelabra: Height 83cm, width 27cm, d...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Japonisme Mantel Clock with Floral Champlevé Enamel
Located in London, GB
Antique French Japonisme mantel clock with floral Champlevé enamel French, late 19th century Dimensions: Height 51cm, width 27.5cm, depth 22cm Beautifully wrought from patinated bronze and champlevé enamel, this mantel clock is designed in the Japonisme style. The style was popular in 19th Century Europe following the opening of Japan to trade and cultural exchange. The clock stands on four cabriole feet, with a pierced Japanese style apron to the bottom. The central case is stepped, with the main section of rectangular profile, and mounted with pierced patinated bronze vines...
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Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls
Located in London, GB
Antique Rococo Louis XV style ormolu and patinated bronze clock set by Denière et Fils French, c. 1870 Clock: Height 59cm, width 52cm, depth 23cm Candelabra: Height 71cm, width 33...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Empire Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 23.5cm, depth 11cm This mantel clock was finely crafted in the Empire period, wrought from ormolu and a later malachite veneer. The design of the clock is based on classical architecture. It features a malachite entablature—with an ormolu pierced mount to the front—which is supported on four ormolu bun feet. The malachite column shafts are smooth and each culminate in a capital, supporting the malachite top. Between the columns, there is a drum clock...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set by Raingo Frères and Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze three-piece clock set by Raingo Frères and Henri Picard This exceptional 19th century clock set comprises of three pieces crafted from gilt bronze: a central mantel cl...
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19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Neoclassical Louis XVI Period French Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical Louis XVI period French mantel clock French, late 18th century Dimensions: Height 56cm, width 33cm, depth 9.5cm Crafted from ormolu and a later malachite veneer, th...
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Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Three-Piece Louis XV Rococo Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Three-piece Louis XV Rococo style porcelain and ormolu clock set French, late 19th century Clock: Height 82cm, width 62, depth 28cm Candelabra: Height 76cm, diameter 22cm Compr...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Exceptional French Tiffany & Co Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Marble Base
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional French gilt bronze mantel clock marketed by Tiffany & Co, with classical cast gilt figures of a boy and girl reading on each side of the clock, a central raised panel ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

English Victorian Ormolu Horseshoe Clock in Original Box
Located in London, GB
An English ormolu horseshoe clock in the manner of Thomas Cole. Small 3/4 plate movement with dust covers to rear for wind, adjust and regulate. Fine original silvered bronze dial wi...
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1860s English Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Henri Picard & Fedinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, Horloge à Poser, by Henri Picard and Fedinand Barbedienne - ‘F. Barbédienne & Cie. / A Paris’, after the model by É...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock with Champleve Decoration by Japy Freres
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilt ormolu mantle clock with beautiful champlevé decoration with turned pilasters, architectural pediment with four turned finials. Gilded chapter ring with Roman numerals...
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1870s French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Classical Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century classical French Louis XVI style mantel clock, having gilded ormolu figures of a naked maiden looking in a mirror with two cherubs to her side, above a...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Obelisk Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Signed: Joseph Gay Horloger du Roy A Turin The movement is contained in a white marble obelisk which is surmounted by an armillary sphere finial. The front with a panel chased wit...
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Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Antique French Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock with Musical Design Motif
Located in Madrid, ES
A true museum piece, this beautifully sculptural clock could easily find its home in a traditional environment, or be a functional and explosive counterpoint to a minimalist interior...
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19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Ormolu

French Classical Mantel Clock, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting classical Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and marble mantel clock, having a standing cherub holding a Cockerel above a white enamel clock face, retails name; Rob. Engstro...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 51cm, width 33cm, depth 14cm This mantel ...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Ormolu Mantle Clock, Louis XVI Style
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century Louis XVI style gilded Bacchus influenced ormolu mantel (fireplace) clock depicting three putti rolling a barrel on the back of a cloven hoofed putti. The ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine 19th Century Sevres Style Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century French Sevres style mantel clock, having a wonderful gilded ormolu case with an urn to the top with cobalt...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique 18th Century Boulle Bracket Clock by Brezagez and Marchand
Located in London, GB
Antique 18th century Boulle bracket clock by Brezagez and Marchand French, circa 1740 Measures: Clock: Height 87cm, width 47cm, depth 21cm Bracket: Height 40cm, width 53cm, depth 24cm Total: Height 127cm This beautiful 18th century French bracket clock...
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18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Ormolu

Gilt Bronze and Hardstone Inlay Napoleon III Period Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and hardstone inlay Napoleon III period clock set by Barbedienne French, 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 50cm, width 23cm, depth 16c...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Stone, Bronze, Ormolu

Very Large French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very large French Louis XV style ormolu mantel clock French, circa 1880 Measures: Height 98cm, width 50cm, depth 27cm This fine 19th century clock is unusually large, standing a...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

A Rare and Exquisite French Ormolu and Porcelain Clock, attributed to Deniere
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Exquisite French Ormolu Bronze and Porcelain Clock, attributed to Jean Francois Deniere, circa 1810. This large and elaborate clock is made of the finest quality ormolu and porcelain during the period. Of rectangular form, with porcelain and bronze columns painted with flowers and griffins, this clock would make a statement in any room. To a clock collector, this clock is a true masterpiece! Similar clocks like this, by Deniere, are in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, including the Frick Collection and the Royal Collection Trust. 21.5" high x 12" wide x 6" deep **For a similar clock see Christies New York, 21 November 2008, Lot # 139, sold for $50,000. Very good condition with no damages. All original parts. Clock is not running. More photos available upon request. Jean-François Deninger, called Denière, was one of the most illustrious bronziers of the first half of the 19th century. Appointed Envoy in Constantinople around 1796, the bronzier Denière entered into partnership with François Mathelin in 1797. They founded a prosperous operation and their atelier had over 200 workers during the Empire period - a number that subsequently doubled during the reign of Louis-Philippe. Fournisseur to the duchesse de Berry and Louis-Philippe, Denière also worked for the duke of Hamilton, Ferdinand VII of Spain, William II of Hesse, William II of Holland, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, and other heads of state. In 1817-1818 Denière furnished some of the bronze work for the redecoration of the White House in Washington. He furthermore produced the mounts for the cradle of the duc de Bordeaux in 1820 and the bronzes for Charles X's coronation coach...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Rococo Cartel Wall Clock, in the Louis XVI Style
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and patinated bronze sun burst cartel wall clock. Depicting cherubs among clouds and sun rays. The white enamel clock fac...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze Louis XVI style clock garniture. The four branch, Rococo influenced candelabra each supported by three classical...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Ormolu Mantel Hen House Clock
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French ormolu mantel clock, having 8-day movement with enamel dial, mounted in “hen house” with urn and flower mounts to side, the oval...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Antique Ormolu Mantel Clock by Leroy Commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in London, GB
This fine mantel clock is cast entirely in ormolu by celebrated Parisian clockmaker Leroy and commemorates the return of Napoleon's ashes to France in 1840. The clock is set on a rectangular, tiered base with four decorative feet. The lower tier is centred with a sleeping lion above a plaque showing the scarf, sword and hat of Napoleon. There is a relief plaque above the lion showing a ship off St Helena (the location of Napoleon's exile) and to either side further decorations formed as martial trophies. To the top of the plaque is a portrait medallion of Napoleon with winged cherubs and the letter 'N'. The circular dial of the clock, signed 'Leroy a Paris', is set to the centre above the base within an ormolu border and flanked by the figures of France and an eagle to either side. Between them they hold an urn, which bears the inscription 'Ste Helene / 5 Mai 1821'. The figure of France holds a flag inscribed 'France 1840.' This clock was produced in 1840 by Parisian clockmaker Leroy et fils...
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1840s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Lyre Shape Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French white marble and gilded ormolu mantel clock in the shape of a Lyre. Having a sun burst mount above gilded ormolu garlands of flowers, set into the ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Rare Orientalist Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Rare orientalist gilt bronze mantel clock by Denière et Fils French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 54cm, width 40cm, depth 18cm This beautiful mantel clock is crafted from gilt br...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock of Aurora in Her Chariot Pulled by Her Winged
Located in London, GB
Fine antique French Empire Ormolu mantel clock of a chariot drawn by two winged horses carrying the chariot with a female figure. Thi...
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Early 1800s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock Lerolle Freres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and Palatial French 19th Century Louis XV Style gilt bronze figural cartel clock by Lerolle Frères, the finely frame body with a circular face with Roman numerals, the ce...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Eclectic Style Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique eclectic style gilt bronze clock set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils French, late 19th century Dimensions: Clock height 78cm, width 36cm, depth 24cm, candelabra height ...
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Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting late 19th century French gilded ormolu and marble mantel clock, depicting cherubs playing, one chasing a young girl, the other hiding amongst a wreath and foliage. The ...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Monumental Ormolu Bronze Clock Mantel by Maison Marquis Movement by Languereau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and monumental 19th century French ormolu bronze mantel clock by Maison Marquis. The movement by Languereau. Paris, Circa 1855 The dial signed 'Marquis A Paris...
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1850s French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Marble Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and good quality 19th century gilded ormolu Louis XVI style clock garniture. The pair of five branch candelabra supported by a pair of classical semi clad females, ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Arch top French mantel clock in a finely decorated Ormolu case with classical scene to the front, standing on a mahogany base with brass banding and resting on brass feet. Enamel ...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock French, 19th century Measures: Height 50cm, width 19cm, depth 13cm This wonderful mantel clock, crafted entirely from gilt bronze, is a magnificent example of the Louis XVI style. The clock is designed about the motif of the lyre—a popular form for Louis XVI style clocks. The clock features a stepped plinth-form base, raised on four bun feet. The base supports the clock case itself, which is wrought to resemble a lyre: the dial is set into the body of the lyre, while the twin lyre arms spring from the shoulders of the case. The arms are joined above by a garland held by scrolled swan’s head finials, between which is situated an Apollo sunburst mask. The gilt bronze surrounding the dial is richly moulded with scrolled forms and grasping acanthus leaves. The dial itself, with a pierced centre, features Arabic numeral hour marks on individual circular enamel cartouches. The movement is signed ‘Le Roy a...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Renaissance Revival Enamel and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Renaissance Revival enamel and gilt bronze mantel clock French, late 19th century Size: Height 53cm, width 29cm, depth 22cm The mantel clock i...
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Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This neoclassical style French mantel clock is crafted from patinated and gilt bronze in addition to flecked black and grey marble. The clock body is formed from a lopsidedly mounted...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
Rococo style gilt bronze mounted porcelain clock garniture French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 13...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
A fine quality late 19th century French bronze and ormolu garniture, the 8-day striking enamelled dial movement by AD Mougin - Paris, contained in ormolu cas...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique 19th Century Raingo Frères Ormolu Bronze Cartel Wall Clock with Cherub
Located in Madrid, ES
Exhibiting the fine design and craftsmanship of French clockmakers Raingo Frères (Raingo Brothers), this impressively large clock, measuring over 1 meter tall ( 3 feet +), is an example of the “Second Rococo” period beginning circa 1830, when the highly ornate "Cartel" style of the early 18th century came back into fashion. The clock is crowned at top center by the figure of a putto or cherub, holding in one hand a dove and the other a garland of flowers. This allegorical figure can represent innocence or purity, and was a popular subject for sculptors of the 19th century. The term "Cartel clock" comes from the French "Pendule à Cartel" meaning roughly "clock in a frame for the wall" - the word "Cartel" meaning in this context "decorative frame". These clocks were almost always made from gilt bronze (also known as "ormolu") and highly decorated. The clock is complete and includes a winding key, and will be checked by our specialist clockmaker to ensure it is functioning properly before shipping. Established in the early 1800s, Raingo Frères was one of the leading makers of precision clocks...
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Mid-19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Brass, Enamel, Ormolu

Marble, Gilt, and Patinated Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece clock set by Barbedienne French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 93cm, width 60cm, depth 28cm Candelabra: Height 97cm, width 46cm, depth 33cm This monumental marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece set is a stunning example of Barbedienne's craftsmanship during the Parisian Belle Époque. Paul Dubois' 'Le Courage Militaire...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Grande Sonnerie Pendule D'officier Alarm Clock, Le Roi, 18th Century
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A fine French ormolu grande sonnerie pendule d'officier with alarm, Le Roi & Fils, late 18th century. The ormolu case profusely decorated with flora...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large Charles X Period Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Charles X period gilt bronze and malachite clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 62cm, width 54cm, depth 20cm This fine mantel clock is a superb example of the Charles...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu

French Chinoiserie/Japanism Dore Bronze and Hand Painted Porcelain Clock
Located in New York, NY
A very unusual and quite rare 19th century French chinoiserie/Japanism dore bronze mounted and hand painted porcelain aesthetic movement clock, attributed to E. Lièvre, most probably...
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1870s French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Rare 19th Century Sevres Style Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very fine quality French late 19th century Sevres style and gilded ormolu clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra, each with ram's head and female mask mounts, dra...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Charles X Malachite and Gilt Bronze Figurative Clock
Located in London, GB
French Charles X malachite and gilt bronze figurative clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 62cm, width 45cm, depth 16cm This fine mantel clock is a superb example of the Ch...
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Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Cupid and Psyche
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style gilt bronze mantel clock with cupid and psyche French, 19th century Measures: Height 54cm, width 80cm, depth 30cm This ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Gilt Bronze Mounted Porphyry Revolving Dial Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful neoclassical style mantel clock, created from porphyry mounted with silvered and gilt bronze, is formed in the shape of a vase. The movement of the clock is of the cer...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Porphyry, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Empire Style Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and fine quality 19th century French Empire influenced clock set. Having a pair of winged female figures supporting five branch candelabra with scrolling foliate decoration, raised on gilded globes and green marble plinths with ormolu mask mounts. The clock having winged lovers standing over the green marble clock...
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19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Gilded Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive fine quality 19th century French gilded ormolu Louis XVI style clock garniture. Having a pair of seven branch scrolling foliate candelabra. The clock with a seated ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Belle Époque Period Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Belle Époque period gilt bronze and enamel clock set French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 46cm, width 23cm, depth 15cm Vases: Height 29cm, diameter 11.5cm Candlestic...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire ormolu mantel clock, Belgium, circa 1810, Signed "J.B. Romaet a Gand". Decorated with a shepherd scene. Strikes the hour and half hour on a bell. With enamel clock face and si...
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1810s Belgian Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Porcelain Mounted Figural Clock, Allegorical of the Arts
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt bronze and Sèvres style porcelain mounted figural clock, Allegorical of the Arts. The dial signed 'Colin, Paris'. The movement stamped 'Vincenti et Cie'. ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 33cm, width 31cm, depth 12cm This superb mantel clock is a wonderful example of the...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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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