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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
Large Mantel Clock, Lyre Pendule with Ormolu Ram's Heads, France, circa 1825
Large Mantel Clock, Lyre Pendule with Ormolu Ram's Heads, France, circa 1825

Large Mantel Clock, Lyre Pendule with Ormolu Ram's Heads, France, circa 1825

Located in Greven, DE

Large Lyra pendulum clock with ram’s heads France Mahogany, bronze c. 1825 Dimensions: H x W x D: 59 x 28 x 15 cm Description: A large and exquisitely crafted lyre clock made of m...

Category

19th Century French Restauration Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Ormolu Mounted Ebonised Gilt Bronze Chiming Mantel Clock 19th Century
Antique Ormolu Mounted Ebonised Gilt Bronze Chiming Mantel Clock 19th Century

Antique Ormolu Mounted Ebonised Gilt Bronze Chiming Mantel Clock 19th Century

Located in London, GB

A superb impressive ormolu mounted ebonised three train mantel clock, chiming on 8 bells with a gong, of large size Retailed by Green of Landport, circa 1880 in date. The caddy top ...

Category

1860s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825

19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825

Located in Greven, DE

Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...

Category

1820s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Exceptional French Ormolu-Mounted Turquoise Jeweled Sevres Porcelain Clock Set
Exceptional French Ormolu-Mounted Turquoise Jeweled Sevres Porcelain Clock Set

Exceptional French Ormolu-Mounted Turquoise Jeweled Sevres Porcelain Clock Set

Located in Long Island City, NY

An exceptional French bronze ormolu mounted turquoise jeweled Sèvres Porcelain clock set by Raingo Fres, Paris, circa 1880. Comprising of a clock in vase form and a pair of five-l...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

L.Leroy & Cie Ormolu Carriage Clock
L.Leroy & Cie Ormolu Carriage Clock

L.Leroy & Cie Ormolu Carriage Clock

Located in Essex, MA

A Louis XVI style ormolu carriage clock, pendule d'officier. By L. Leroy , Paris. In an ormolu case with enamel dial. Mechanism not tested to see if it runs.

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique Georgian Long Case Grandfather Clock Higgs & Evans London Spanish Market
Antique Georgian Long Case Grandfather Clock Higgs & Evans London Spanish Market

Antique Georgian Long Case Grandfather Clock Higgs & Evans London Spanish Market

By Robert and Peter Higgs of London

Located in Portland, OR

A fabulous investment quality antique George III Flame mahogany & gilt bronze eight day movement tall case grandfather clock, by Robert & Peter Higgs & David Evans, made for the Span...

Category

1770s English George III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

An Important French Louis XV Period Musical Wall Cartel Clock, circa 1750
An Important French Louis XV Period Musical Wall Cartel Clock, circa 1750

An Important French Louis XV Period Musical Wall Cartel Clock, circa 1750

Located in SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ

This magnificent Swiss musical cartel clock with its original matching wall bracket is an investment-grade masterpiece of eighteenth-century European horology. Masterfully crafted ci...

Category

1770s Swiss Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu & Sevres Porcelain 3 Piece Clock Candelabra Garniture 1870
Antique French Ormolu & Sevres Porcelain 3 Piece Clock Candelabra Garniture 1870

Antique French Ormolu & Sevres Porcelain 3 Piece Clock Candelabra Garniture 1870

An outstanding quality antique gilded bronze & Sevres porcelain French 3 piece, 8 day clock garniture with candelabra, by Brocot & Delettrez, Paris, circa 1870. The clock with an 'egg' shaped urn made of cobalt blue Sevres porcelain with a hand-painted panel with a neo-classical beauty and a cupid, the rear is painted with gilt birds & floral decoration. The urn with gilt bronze handles to the sides held in the mouths of lion's masks, the clock below also with sumptuously decorated with gilded cobalt porcelain panels, the clock dial with black Roman numerals & is finely painted with two horses and a chariot with a putti falling out of the chariot. The clock has two winding arbors one for the 8 day time wind the other for a chime, the clock chimes the hours on a soft delicate sounding bell, the clock is in full working order and was recently professionally cleaned. The clock is complemented with a pair of gilt bronze & cobalt blue Sevres porcelain four branch vasiform candelabras, decorated with oval panels to the front with putti & Neoclassical maidens, the back panels finely painted with birds, each candelabra is in two sections and raised on gilt bronze bases with corbel brackets & acanthus leaf feet. The bronze casting is very likely by the Barbedienne Foundry in Paris, as the quality is outstanding, the clock is stamped "BD" for Achille Brocot (1817-1878) and Jean-Baptiste Delettrez (1816-1887), they were two of the most important French clock makers of the mid to late 19th century, please see some biography below. The clock is mechanically & cosmetically in excellent condition, and was recently overhauled by a clock-smith, the porcelain & ormolu are also in excellent condition, one of the very best investment quality gilt-bronze & Sevres porcelain clock garnitures by the top French makers of the period, circa 1870. This garniture will be professionally crated for shipping. Delettrez and Achille Brocot, son of the respected clockmaker Louis-Gabriel Brocot, established the clockmaking company "Brocot et Delettrez" in Paris on 20 October 1851, with premises at 62 Rue Charlot Paris. Jean-Baptiste Delettrez worked alongside Achille Brocot for several years and their clock movements are considered to be the most effective made during the late 19th century. Their specialty was a range of clocks based on the innovations of Brocot père and his other son Antoine, but generally of Achille's greatly advanced original design, some having a unique single-arm double-wheel escapement, some having a temperature-compensated pendulum, some having two dials, one of which showed the time and the other which showed a calendar and often other information such as phases of the moon, times of sunrise & sunset in Paris, etc. The firm was awarded a 1st class prize at the Paris World Exposition of 1857 for a commercial clock...

Category

1870s French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Large Marble and Ormolu Clock Garniture
19th Century Large Marble and Ormolu Clock Garniture

19th Century Large Marble and Ormolu Clock Garniture

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

Elegant antique clock garniture set, crafted from striking pink-veined marble and adorned with ornate gilded bronze details. This exquisite...

Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock
Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock

Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock, having a fine quality antique French Rococo style mantle clock, having a fantastic quality decorated case with ormolu de...

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques
19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques circa 1890. Fine quality ornate french clock surmounted with a lady in traditional french dress leaning on an architectural...

Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

L'Etude Ormolu and Bronze Fusee Mantel Clock
L'Etude Ormolu and Bronze Fusee Mantel Clock

L'Etude Ormolu and Bronze Fusee Mantel Clock

Located in Amersham, GB

This impressive mantel clock with an eight day single fusee movement evokes the concept of time well spent in learning. It is crowned by Jupiter's eagle who bears sacred oak garlands above the dial, whose Ionic capital cradle is framed by addorsed studying nymphs. They are seated on a bronze plinth which is centred by an Arcadian Pan mask amongst golden flowered ormolu garlands, the whole resting on turned baluster feet. The dial is cast in ormolu and unusually has Arabic numerals, surround by a anthemion frieze bezel. With the eagle a symbol of Jupiter and hence the divinity of learning, and the mask of Pan a reference to the natural world. This clock is, therefore, a celebration Natural Philosophy, the study of science and the natural world, and a display of classical learning and understanding. The two seated figures derive from the model of L'Etude, which together with La Philosophie, was created for the Sèvres factory by Louis-Simon Boizot in 1780. Under the instructions of the marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre, these figures were incorporated into a clock design, from which the present clock derives, by the cisleur-doreur François Rémond. In 1788 Daguerre delivered two clocks after his new design to Louis XVI for the Château de St. Cloud. The model obviously appealed to the Prince of Wales, later George IV, as he purchased two clocks of this model from Daguerre, one of which was in his bedroom, the other in his dressing-room one is now in Windsor Castle the other in Buckingham Palace. This clock was probably made by Baetens & Co who specialised in bronze and ormolu decorative objects in the Regency period. No doubt identifying the fashionable subject matter and style after the Prince Regent popularised it at Carlton House. They made models in bronze ormolu and marble for many clock makers of the period. A near identical version of this clock was in the collection of the Marquess of Bath at Longleat House until its sale at Christies in 2002, made by Santiago James Moore French of the Royal Exchange. Other examples of this clock have been recorded by Barraud and Lund...

Category

1810s Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Steel, Ormolu

Exceptional C19th French Boulle Mantle Clock
Exceptional C19th French Boulle Mantle Clock

Exceptional C19th French Boulle Mantle Clock

By André-Charles Boulle

Located in London, GB

A very Important French Ormolu Mounted Boulle Mantel Clock Inlaid Brass in The Regency Style Each Corner Decorated with Recumbent Horses Nice Large Dial 8 and a half inches surround...

Category

19th Century French Regency Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810
Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810

Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810

By Faizan A Paris

Located in Greven, DE

The barrel roller - so-called "Pendule au Noir" Paris fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 27 x 11 cm Description: Fire-gilt bronze clock from the early...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture

Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Fine and Large Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture. Comprising a mantel clock and a pair of seven-light candelabra. The clock modelled...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie
Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie

Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie

By Charpentier et Cie

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This large and impressive clock is by the renown French Bronzier Lemerle Charpentier & Cie. It features Classical maidens holding a large urn form case surmounted by Cupid with his ...

Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

By Breguet a Paris

Located in Amersham, GB

This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu and White Marble Louis XVI Clock
Antique French Ormolu and White Marble Louis XVI Clock

Antique French Ormolu and White Marble Louis XVI Clock

By Samuel Marti

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful classical clock made in the style of Louis XVI by Samuel Marti. Stunning ormolu (finely gilded bronze) mounted on a marble base. It is decorated with an inset laurel swag...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock

French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock

Located in Rome, IT

Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...

Category

1790s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Wall Clock by Lerolle Freres
Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Wall Clock by Lerolle Freres

Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Wall Clock by Lerolle Freres

By Lerolle Freres

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine and Palatial French 19th Century Louis XV Style gilt bronze figural cartel (wall) clock by Lerolle Frères, the finely frame body with a circular face with Roman numerals,...

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Repeating Drocourt Carriage Clock with Alarm
Repeating Drocourt Carriage Clock with Alarm

Repeating Drocourt Carriage Clock with Alarm

Located in Amersham, GB

A strike repeat alarm carriage clock by Pierre Drocourt. Stamped and numbered with the Drocourt mark on the back plate in a gilded 'Gorge' case. Drocourt was one of the great carriag...

Category

1860s French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel, Ormolu

A French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantle Clock after Percier et Fontaine
A French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantle Clock after Percier et Fontaine

A French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantle Clock after Percier et Fontaine

Located in Long Island City, NY

A French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantle Clock after Percier et Fontaine, 19th Century. In the hallowed halls of horological history, this Empire gilt-bronze ormolu mantle clock, a subl...

Category

19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825
A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825

A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825

Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY

A French Charles X period gilt bronze figural mantel clock circa 1825. Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont and Paris, c. 1825. The sculptural group represents an allegory of navigation or Hop...

Category

1820s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805
Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805

Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805

By Claude Galle

Located in Lisbon, PT

An exceptional and highly collectible French Empire mantel clock attributed to the celebrated Parisian bronzier Claude Galle, dating to circa 1805. Executed in richly gilded and dark...

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon Empire Egyptian theme mantel clock with musical movement
Napoleon Empire Egyptian theme mantel clock with musical movement

Napoleon Empire Egyptian theme mantel clock with musical movement

Located in London, GB

A rare and unusual French Directoire/ Empire clock depicting Napoleon standing among trophies of war including cannon, cannon balls, map scrolls and standards bearing eagles. The sil...

Category

1810s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Mantel Clock by Guibal, Gilt Bronze & Marble
19th Century French Mantel Clock by Guibal, Gilt Bronze & Marble

19th Century French Mantel Clock by Guibal, Gilt Bronze & Marble

Located in MADRID, ES

Exceptional 19th century French mantel clock from the Napoleon III period, executed in refined Louis XVI style and combining richly contrasting materials including patinated bronze, ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Griotte Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century
Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century

Located in Astoria, NY

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Portico Mantel Clock, late 19th century, the circular enamel dial, with strike on bell movement, surmounted by an urn and supported by four flute...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Enamel, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810
Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810

Located in Greven, DE

Pendule Portefaix Paris Bronze, enamel Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 36 x 28 x 11 cm Description: Beautiful, fire-gilded and patinated bronze pendule from the early 19...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock, Atala freeing Chactas, Paris, circa 1810
Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock, Atala freeing Chactas, Paris, circa 1810

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock, Atala freeing Chactas, Paris, circa 1810

Located in Greven, DE

Mantel Clock "Atala and Chactas" Paris Bronze (fire-gilt and patinated), enamel Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 40 x 32 x 11 cm Description: Very rare and extremely high quality French mantel clock, so-called Pendule Au Bon Sauvage. Depicted are scenes from the love story "Atala or the love of two savages in the desert" written by Francois René Vicomte de Chateaubriand in 1801. At the beginning of the 19th century, this was probably the most famous love story in Europe, but today it has been forgotten. The story, set in present-day Louisiana (USA), is roughly rewritten about the forbidden love between Chactas, a young Indian, and Atala, the beautiful daughter of a Spaniard. Chactas is captured in a battle between two Indian tribes, chained to a palm tree and is to be sacrificed. Atala wants to save his life and convert him to Christianity. She unties him from the palm tree at night and they flee together into the wilderness of North America. Their love for each other grows stronger and stronger and they have prospects for a future together. The story takes a tragic turn when Atala, who must remain a virgin due to a vow made by her mother, can no longer withstand the conflict of her feelings and commits suicide. The main group of characters thus shows Chacta's liberation through Atala. Atala is leaning against a pile of logs. The animal fur thrown over the logs and the weapons leaning against the stack on the right give the impression of a night camp. The bronze is of rarely beautiful quality, finely chiselled and makes the scene appear very lively. The contrast of fire-gilded and patinated bronze adds tension to the composition. In the base we see the Entombment as the end of the tragic love story. This bronze work is also very detailed, the interplay of bright and matt gilding makes the flat relief appear much deeper than it is. The depiction of the mantel clock presented here shows that the exotic was only known from stories and that the bronzier had his own ideas about the appearance of this distant world. The Indian, for example, has very European facial features and his skin was not black in reality, of course. The palm tree was also certainly not found in the North American wilderness. The heart of the clock is a French pendulum movement, integrated into the wooden pile, with an eight-day power reserve and a lock plate striking a bell on the half and full hour. The pendulum is suspended on a thread, typical of the period. The classically shaped hands, so-called Breguet hands, are also typical of the time. The enamelled dial has black Roman hour numerals, Arabic quarter hours and bears the signature: Le Roy hr. de Madame A PARIS. Interesting facts: The period from 1795 to about 1815 saw the creation of probably the most spectacular group of bronzes: The "Au bon Sauvage" pendulums - depictions of the "Noble Savage". Today's viewers react to these objects with both fascination and irritation. Enthusiastic on the one hand about the obvious quality of the detailed bronzes and the allure of the exotic, on the other hand distanced and cautious because of the possible discrimination that is suspected behind them. The ambivalence of this feeling motivates the search for the conditions of origin of these pendulums. Europeans found their new ideal of the natural man primarily in fictional and realistic travelogues about the Indians of North America...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire mantel clock of the Astronomy Lesson by Jean-Andre Reiche
French Empire mantel clock of the Astronomy Lesson by Jean-Andre Reiche

French Empire mantel clock of the Astronomy Lesson by Jean-Andre Reiche

Located in London, GB

French Empire Antique ormolu & verd antico marble mantel clock of "The Astronomy Lesson" by Jean-Andre Reiche. The fire and mercury gilt ormolu is in excellent condition and is e...

Category

1810s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Satyr Figurals Mantel Clock
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Satyr Figurals Mantel Clock

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Satyr Figurals Mantel Clock

Located in Germantown, MD

A clean Rococo-style gilt bronze figural mantel clock. The clock is a late 19th-century piece, featuring cherubs / satyrs. The style is characterized by elaborate scrollwork, foliag...

Category

Late 19th Century American Classical Roman Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze, Ormolu

French Mantel Clock by Baullier & Fils, Mercury Gilded, Circa 1820
French Mantel Clock by Baullier & Fils, Mercury Gilded, Circa 1820

French Mantel Clock by Baullier & Fils, Mercury Gilded, Circa 1820

Located in MADRID, ES

This remarkable French mantel clock is a work of exceptional quality, created during the Restoration or Charles X period, circa 1820 to 1830. While it retains the architectural balan...

Category

1820s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs
Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs

Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs

By Jacques Caffieri

Located in London, GB

Antique French cartel clock of Venus with cherubs French, Late 19th Century Height 120cm, width 55cm, depth 20cm This remarkable cartel clock is inspired by an 18th-century desi...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915
French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915

French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915

Located in CH

French Art Deco Ormolu (“Bronze Dorée”) Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock France, circa 1915 A striking Art Deco wall clock executed in gilded bronze (bronze dorée), featuring a sunburst ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Clock Set
19th Century French Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Clock Set

19th Century French Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

Fine quality and attractive French champleve gilt bronze and light blue champleve enamel clock set. Retailed by Camerden & Forster, New York. Gilt bronze and champleve enamel. Or...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Japy Freres Antique French Rococo Ormolu Clock - Fully Restored
Japy Freres Antique French Rococo Ormolu Clock - Fully Restored

Japy Freres Antique French Rococo Ormolu Clock - Fully Restored

By Japy Frères

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A particularly fine and decorative 19th century French ormolu (finely gilded bronze) mantel clock, richly cast in the Rococo taste. The clock is surmounted by an exquisite cherub sea...

Category

19th Century Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock
A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock

A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Monumental and Exceptional French Ormolu and Turquoise Sevres Porcelain Clock, circa 1875 Immerse yourself in the splendor of 19th-century French artistry with this monumental and...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Henri Picard & Fedinand Barbedienne
Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Henri Picard & Fedinand Barbedienne

Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Henri Picard & Fedinand Barbedienne

By F. Barbedienne Foundry

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...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

The Linke Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock
The Linke Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock

The Linke Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock

By François Linke

Located in New Orleans, LA

Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock François Linke Circa 1900 Widely regarded as the greatest sculptural clock ever created, this monumental régulateur by François Linke was conceived as a statement for the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, a moment when the world’s finest artisans competed on an international stage. Linke, the most celebrated ébéniste of the Belle Époque, was awarded the prestigious gold medal for his display, which critics described as “the biggest event in the history of furnishing art in the year 1900.” Designed in collaboration with the sculptor Léon Messagé, the clock exemplifies Linke’s ambition to elevate furniture and timepieces to the realm of fine art. The clock represents over a decade of design and craftsmanship. Only six examples of this model were ever completed due to the extraordinary labor and cost involved. Building just one had a production cost of 22,966 francs, the equivalent of approximately eight years' wages for the average French worker in 1900. The clock is illustrated on the spine of Christopher Payne’s definitive monograph on Linke. Mahdi Al-Tajir, one of the world’s most important collectors, later acquired the present model. Another is located at Whitehall, the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. It was acquired by Rockefeller’s partner, Henry Flagler...

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch
19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch

19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch

By Lenzkirch

Located in Amersham, GB

A quarter striking bracket clock in a fine figured burr walnut case with ormolu mounts and sound frets backed in sage green silk. A gilded dial with s...

Category

1890s German Late Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière

By Jean-François Denière

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A superb and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble clock, by Jean Francois Denière. This stunning clock is raised by four O...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock

Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock

Located in Paris, FR

Impressive mahogany longcase clock with gilt and sculpted decorative bronze elements such as fantastic animals, diamond-shaped patterns, scrollwork, and foliage. This floor clock is ...

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1880s French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Grandfather Clock
Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Grandfather Clock

Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Grandfather Clock

Located in London, GB

Exceptional Louis XVI style gilt bronze and malachite grandfather clock French, late 19th century Measures: Height 250cm, width 54cm, depth 33cm This superb longcase clock is a wonderful example of the Belle Époque impetus to draw inspiration from the styles of the past. The clock, crafted during the late nineteenth century—though the malachite finish is later—is inspired by a famous eighteenth-century original. The clock is of traditional form, which a cubic clock case inset with an enamel dial and a gilt bronze bezel cast with signs of the zodiac. The central section of the clock includes a window, which reveals the pendulum inside, while the lower section is in the form of a plinth. The malachite veneer is wonderfully varied, with lighter and darker shades of the stone utilised to add visual interest. The clock is surmounted by a sculpture in gilt bronze of Apollo in his chariot, pulled by a quadriga of horses. The dial is signed for Rosel Bruxelles...

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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Very Large Antique Louis XV Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley and Raingo Frères
Very Large Antique Louis XV Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley and Raingo Frères

Very Large Antique Louis XV Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley and Raingo Frères

By Maison Beurdeley, Raingo Frères

Located in London, GB

Very large antique Louis XV style mantel clock by Beurdeley and Raingo Frères French, Late 19th Century Height 98cm, width 49cm, depth 24cm This magnificent Louis XV style mantel cl...

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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

By Ferdinand Barbedienne

Located in London, GB

The white onyx and gilt bronze three-piece set consists of a central clock, accompanied by two six-light candelabra. The three items were crafted in the 19th century, during the reig...

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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail
Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail

Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in New York, NY

An Exceptionally Rare 18th Century Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant, Snail, and Flower Mantel Clock. The clock drum is painted with floral reserves on a yellow-ground porcelain case, surmounted by a seated monkey modeled in cream-glazed porcelain. The dial is inscribed “MILLOT / Her DU ROY,” referring to the Parisian clockmaker Millot, horloger du roi, and retains its original single-barrel movement with platform lever escapement. The interior of the case bears a stamped “B.” The entire composition is supported by a scrolling structure of polychrome porcelain flowers mounted on ormolu branches, leading to a central Meissen figure seated on a saddled elephant, positioned on an elaborately cast gilt bronze rocaille base. The composition centers around a chinoiserie theme, which was highly fashionable in mid-18th century France, particularly during the reign of Louis XV. In this example, the chinoiserie elements are expressed through the seated porcelain figure in Chinese dress, riding atop a caparisoned elephant with a vibrantly painted red and gold saddle and bright yellow cushion. The elephant, modeled with expressive naturalism, features finely detailed ears, trunk, and legs in Meissen’s distinctive hand-painted porcelain, with further ornamentation in applied gilding. Surrounding the central figure and timepiece is an elaborate framework of metal branches issuing dozens of individually modeled porcelain blossoms. These include peonies, roses, and tulips in various stages of bloom, each petal uniquely hand-shaped and painted in hues of lilac, ivory, pink, and violet, with naturalistic green leaves extending outward on slender bronze stems. The gilt bronze mount is executed in the Rococo taste, with asymmetrical shell forms, Snails, C-scrolls, and foliate scrollwork typical of French bronze work from the Louis XV period. The ormolu is mercury-gilded, a process common in the 18th century which involved the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury to the surface of the bronze, followed by firing to vaporize the mercury. This technique created a matte yet luminous surface, prized for its depth and lasting quality. The ormolu is cast in a deeply three-dimensional style, with scrolled feet and boldly molded foliate ornaments that cradle the base of the Meissen elephant...

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18th Century German Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Reloj de sobremesa francés en bronce dorado, época Imperio, siglo XIX
Reloj de sobremesa francés en bronce dorado, época Imperio, siglo XIX

Reloj de sobremesa francés en bronce dorado, época Imperio, siglo XIX

Located in MADRID, ES

Espectacular reloj de sobremesa francés, época Imperio (1800-1815), en bronce dorado. Medidas: 41,5 cm largo x 65 cm alto x 14,5 cm fondo. El cuerpo del reloj está elevado sobre una...

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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Dore Mantle Clock Retailed by J.N. Masters
Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Dore Mantle Clock Retailed by J.N. Masters

Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Dore Mantle Clock Retailed by J.N. Masters

Located in Dublin, Ireland

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...

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19th Century French Victorian Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Charles X Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock
Charles X Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock

Charles X Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock

Located in Astoria, NY

Charles X Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock, circa 1830, depicting Clio, muse of History, standing beside a pedestal, centered by a silvered dial, the movement strike on bell, on a rectang...

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1830s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene often referred to as "The Astronomy Lesson." A popular motif during this period, Emper...

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19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock
19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock

19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An impressive late 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock. Having three putti mounted to the top each playing musical instruments. The clock having an ei...

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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Louis XV Clock, 1750s Paris Ormolu & Patinated, Pendule à lÉléphant; by Godefroy
Louis XV Clock, 1750s Paris Ormolu & Patinated, Pendule à lÉléphant; by Godefroy

Louis XV Clock, 1750s Paris Ormolu & Patinated, Pendule à lÉléphant; by Godefroy

Located in New York, NY

A remarkable example of mid-1700's French horology, this Louis XV period Pendule à l’Éléphant showcases the technical mastery and playful elegance characteristic of the Rococo era in...

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Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Portico Clock
French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Portico Clock

French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Portico Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An exquisite French mid 19th century Empire st. ormolu portico clock. The clock raised on a rectangular base with finely chased borders and satin and burnish finish interlocking circ...

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19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set

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 Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815
Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815

Located in Montreal, QC

This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports a vase shaped clock case in turn supported by winged dolphin heads and flanked by ...

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1810s French Empire 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.