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Ormolu Clocks

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Material: Ormolu
Empire 19th Century Ormolu and Painted Bronze Mantel Clock with Young Sailor
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An Empire ormolu and painted bronze mantel clock attributed to Jean-Simon Deverberie. Fitted in an ormolu case shaped as a cotton bale, the round enamel dial features Roman numeral hours and Arabic fifteen-minute graduations, indicated by two pierced gilt bronze hands. Shirtless and barefoot, a young black sailor...
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19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Belle Epoque Period Bronze And Ormolu Annual Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and very unique French 19th century Belle Epoque period patinated Bronze, Ormolu and silvered Bronze annular clock. This rare model annular clock is raised on a circul...
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19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Charles X period "Au bon Sauvage" mantel clock. Very rare, this is not a model we have ever seen before, possibly a one off. Set upon f...
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1820s Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Sleigh Form Ormolu and Onyx Antique Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This beautiful and unusual clock is formed as an ormolu sleigh, which is set upon a rectangular block of green onyx which is further set upon an ormolu base with four acanthus leaf f...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

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...
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Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Pink Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
An attractive French Napoleon III antique mantel clock in original ormolu and fine pink, handpainted and jewelled porcelain. The clock sits upon its ori...
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1870s French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large French Art Nouveau Mantel Clock and Garniture
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Large French Art Nouveau Mantel Clock and Garniture This impressive clock set features a woman and child holding a floral branch with a bird perched above. A striking centrepiece...
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Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Brass, Spelter, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock Signed Cheuret À Marseilles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely decorative and large scale French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu clock signed Cheuret à Marseilles. The clock is raised on topie feet below a straight frieze with pro...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive clock garniture set consists of a central clock and a pair of flanking vases. The three pieces are extremely finely decorated with painted cartouches of fly...
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Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon
Located in London, GB
Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 15cm The gilt bronze m...
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Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century French Onyx and Ormolu Clock Garniture in the Egyptian Manner
Located in London, GB
A Garniture de Cheminée in The Egyptian Manner Constructed in Algerian onyx and ormolu, comprising a large clock and two side pieces; rising f...
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19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Sèvres Porcelain and Gilt-Bronze Ormolu Mounted Clock, Mid-19th C
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elegant mid-19th century French mantel clock, finely crafted with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts and exquisite hand-painted Sèvres porcelain panels. The clock is adorned with striking bro...
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1840s French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French Neoclassical style malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, late 19th Century Measures: height 42cm, width 22cm, depth 11cm This fine clock...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

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

17th Century Obelisk-Shaped Table Clock
Located in London, GB
17th Century obelisk-shaped table clock Italian, 17th Century Height 28cm, width 9cm, depth 7cm A stunning piece from the 17th century, this table clock is a precious element of horological artistry and mechanical innovation. Encased in gilt and glass, the delicate clock is shaped akin to an obelisk, an intriguing symbol that lends a striking visual appeal. The foundation of the timepiece is a gilt brass and...
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1660s Italian Baroque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

English Egyptian Revival Mantel Clock with Fusee Movement by Moore of London
Located in London, GB
A fabulous and very rare antique English, Egyptian revival mantel clock with fusee movement by John Moore and Sons of London. This clock has a number of very unusual features. Constr...
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1860s English Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Belle Époque Period Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock in Moorish Style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock, formed from gilt bronze and porcelain, is designed and decorated in a discernibly Moorish style. The clock is supported by a flat shaped gilt bronze base, the base supporting four gilt bronze columns that support the gilt bronze clock drum. The cylindrical drum contains a circular dial, the dial of porcelain and inscribed with Roman numerals. The gilt bronze throughout is cast and chased with geometrical motifs—particularly evident on the front of the four vertical columns. These motifs are distinctively Moorish in scheme, the lattice-type geometrical sequences recalling Islamic decorative...
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Late 19th Century French Moorish Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain decorated in the Sevres style. 'ER', the mark of French clockmaker Ernest Royer, active in the later 19th Century, is stamped on the underside of the ormolu mounts. There are three Sevres style porcelain plaques in total, all set on turquoise ground: the plaque to the front of the clock depicts a cherub and a nymph as well as containing the clock face with Roman numerals. The two sides of the clock case feature further porcelain plaques, which portray Neptune, Aurora and mermaids. The rectangular ormolu clock case is surmounted by a putto with a dog. There is a neoclassical pilaster...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Sevres Porcelain Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality French, 19th century pink sevres porcelain and gilded ormolu clock set. Having a classical urn to the top, an eight day chiming movement. A romantic scene painted to t...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in London, GB
French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture French, late 19th century Clock: Height 60cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm Candelabra: Height 67cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm This wonde...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French Sevres style porcelain and gilded ormolu clock garniture. Having a pair of cherubs either side of the clock and central urn, classical ha...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu Wall Mounted Clock Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu wall mounted clock and barometer signed by Barbedienne. Each is set in...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu Clock Signed Raingo Freres, Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and patinated bronze clock, signed Raingo Frères Paris. The clock is ...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

New Large Franz Hermle Mantel Clock in DeArt Italian Marquetry and Ormolu Case
Located in Germantown, MD
A 21st Century German Franz Hermle Mantel Clock in DeArt Italian Fine Marquetry and Ormolu Case in new open box condition. Clock made in Germany by the historic, very famous Franz Hermle clock...
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21st Century and Contemporary German Post-Modern Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Antique Three-Piece Louis XV and Sèvres Style Clock and Ewer Set
Located in London, GB
Antique Three-piece Louis XV and Sèvres style clock and ewer set French, late 19th century Dimensions: Height 36cm, width 34cm, depth 12cm Consisting of a central mantel clock a...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
In its unusual and beautiful design, this sumptuous mantel clock effortlessly transcends the boundaries between sculpture, clockmaking and objet de vertu...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Fine 19th century French ormolu mantel clock (pendule) by Leroy a Paris, c. 1825
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A most beautiful French ornolu mantel clock by Leroy à Paris A lovely French late Empire/early Charles X mantel clock with an ormolu case, c. 1825. The ormolu brass case depicts a celebration of Science and Learning. It is dominated by a rectangular superstructure containing the movement, flanked by an engine-turned column with a celestial globe on top on the left and an elegant lady reading a book on the right. The superstructure is surmounted by a bookcase and a bust of Socrates...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

19th Century Louis XVI Style Champleve Enamel Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality, 19th century French gilded ormolu and champleve enamel clock garniture. The clock has a cherub on either side, an urn with swags to the top, 'C' scroll and folia...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Rouge Griotte Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte marble and ormolu clock by Raingo Frères, Paris. At the base are stunning ormolu mounts of rosettes and scrolled foliate...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI/XV st. Ormolu cartel clock
By F. E. Becker Co, F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most important and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI/XV st. Ormolu cartel clock, signed F. Barbedienne and E. Becker 98'. This impressive cartel clock with its original gi...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Champleve enamel mantle clock, 19th Century.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu Champleve enamel mantle clock, having an urn finial to the top, columns supported by winged sphinx's. The eight day duration clo...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Oriental Style Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This clock set was designed in France in the late 19th century in a fanciful ‘Oriental’ style. The set is comprised of a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra, all of which have been...
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Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Outstanding Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by Dagrin and Philippe
Located in Long Island City, NY
An outstanding late 19th century gilt bronze mantel (fireplace) clock by Dagrin and Philippe By Dagrin and Philippe A large gilt bronze, beautifully dressed sculpture...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. marble and Ormolu clock, signed Derniere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and finely decorated French 19th century Louis XVI st. Gris St. Anne marble and Ormolu clock, signed Derniere. This exquisite and high quality clock is raised on an imp...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock, Leroy
Located in New York, NY
Louis XVI ormolu-mounted Mantel Clock signed Julien Leroy A Paris France, 18th century A similar clock sold at Sothebys New York for $81,250 (Important ...
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18th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 10cm This fine gilt bronze man...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
$4,284 Sale Price
30% Off
Napoleon III Period Mantel Clock by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This stunning clock expertly showcases the ingenuity of its maker, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and its smart styling in the opulent Napoleon III style will make it an excellent addition t...
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19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very fine and rare green onyx, porcelain, cloisonné enamel and ormolu mantel clock French, Late 19th Century Height 64cm, diameter 23cm This beautiful piece is an exceptionally unusual and equally beautiful mantel clock, crafted from a variety of materials, used to showcase an array of superb decorative arts and techniques. Made in France in the late nineteenth century it is formed of green onyx, porcelain (the vase on top), cloisonné enamel and ormolu. The dials are set upon three columns of ormolu, mounted on green onyx, and framed with enamel in red, white, and blue, floral motifs. The dials are adorned with lettering in both French and Spanish, and measure time, temperature, and pressure. An elegant decorative vase mounts the clock, crafted from porcelain, and similarly decorated with enamel elements. Rare in design and even rare in terms of pure quality, it forms a unique antique timepiece...
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Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Cartel Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful French 19th century Louis XV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze cartel clock. The clock displays a most elegant and decorative cloud like design with richly chased love bird...
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19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Antique French Clock
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A fine, early antique French clock by André Hoffmann of Paris, the movement by Vincenti et Cie, circa 1850. It is beautifully made in ormolu (fir...
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19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

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

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...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Blue Porcelain Elephant Clock Set in the Chinoiserie Style
Located in London, GB
A French Garniture de Cheminée in the Chinoiserie Taste Constructed in blue turquoise porcelain with gilt highlights, Algerian onyx and bronze, ...
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19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century (Early) French Clock Marble Ormolu
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Early) French Clock Marble & Ormolu Unique clock purchased in France. Gorgeous Marble. impeccable condition. See Detailed Pics.
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, 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 ...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XVI Marble Mantle Clock by Jean-Nicolas Schmit
Located in New Orleans, LA
A horologic masterpiece of precision and beauty, this neoclassical marble and ormolu mantle clock is an extraordinary example of late 18th-century French clockmaking by the famed Jea...
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18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Pink Marble Ormolu 3 Piece Clock Garniture Set, Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Pink Marble and Ormolu 3 Piece Clock Garniture Set, Circa 1880-1890. Clock: 18" High x 8" Wide x 5 1/2" Deep Candelabra (2): 13" High x 10...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Marble mantle clock and calendar.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century black and rouge marble mantle clock with calendar. Having a gilded ormolu foliate mount to the top, a gilded clock face with an eight day, hour and h...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Ormolu

Charles X "The Serpent and The Eagle" Ormolu Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
Charles X "The Serpent and The Eagle" Ormolu Clock, circa 1830, the circular dial with strike on bell movement, signed "Charles a Paris", surmounted by the serpent and the eagle from...
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1830s French Charles X Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock, signed Jollet & Cie. The clock is raised by a square stepped base with a finely chased pierced...
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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Early 19th Century French Empire Period Portico Clock
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine early 19th century French Empire period Portico clock of exceptional quality in the Neo-classical style, the clock housed in a richly figured mahogany case with four tapering ...
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Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock French, 19th Century Height 30cm, width 18cm, depth 14.5cm This fine mantel clock is of rectangular form, with a gilt bron...
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19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

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...
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19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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

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

Ormolu, Bronze

French Louis XV Style Porcelain Gilt Mixed Metal Mantel Clock
Located in Forney, TX
A breathtaking antique French Belle Époque period (1871-1914) porcelain mounted mixed metal mantel clock. Born in France in the late 19th / early 20th century, fine quality Parisian work, exceptionally executed in luxuriously opulent 18th century Louis XV Rocaille taste, finished on all sides so it can be placed anywhere in the room, featuring a visually striking sculptural floral fiolate adorned gilt metal case, heavily embellished with fine porcelain flowers...
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

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...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, having Sevres style porcelain panels, depicting a romantic scene, a gilded ormolu urn with swags above the clock f...
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19th Century French Antique Ormolu Clocks

Materials

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

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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