What defines a Georgian Neoclassical urn clock?

Neoclassical urn clocks produced during the Georgian period reflect classical Roman and Greek decorative motifs, often featuring urn-shaped bodies, revolving dial bands, and architectural pedestals inspired by ancient urns and monuments.

What materials were typically used in 18th-century horological urn clocks?

These horological pieces typically feature gilt bronze (ormolu) or brass casing with chased relief decorations, incorporating brass clockwork movements and horizontal revolving enamel or silvered dial rings.

How can an authentic 18th-century ormolu clock be identified?

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-chased surface details, mercury gilding wear patterns, original threaded assemblies, and maker signatures on either the dial or the movement backplate.

How can a Georgian gilt clock be integrated into a modern interior?

Positioning a gilded Neoclassical clock atop a contemporary stone mantelpiece or minimalist marble console table creates a focal point that bridges classic heritage with modern design elements.

How should gilt bronze (ormolu) clocks be cleaned and maintained?

Dust gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding abrasive polishes or chemical cleansers that strip the original mercury gilding, and have the mechanical movement serviced periodically by a specialist horologist.

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A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

Name: A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1131299
Price: 34900 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Description

A unique and exceptional neoclassical urn clock by Paul Rimbault, London, circa 1770. This singular example of a pendule à cercles tournants stands as a masterpiece of English clockmaking and design from the Georgian period.

The ormolu case is of remarkable quality, with a richly ornamented square plinth base containing the movement, surmounted by an elegant lidded urn with bold scrolled handles terminating in anthemion motifs. Ram’s heads frame either side of the urn and are echoed in the decorative corners of the base. The classical design, inspired by the work of the celebrated architect and designer Robert Adam, is further embellished with finely cast drapery swags, foliate details, and classical medallions. While there is no direct connection between Rimbault and Adam, this clock reflects the influence of Adam’s neoclassical style, which shaped the decorative arts in Britain during the period and inspired clockmakers, bronze casters, and artisans alike. The urn is crowned with an exquisitely cast eagle finial, a further nod to classical symbolism.

The time is displayed through two silvered brass rotating rings set into the body of the urn: the lower ring showing Roman numerals for the hours, the upper ring marked in Arabic numerals for every five minutes, with additional minute divisions. A delicate blued steel pointer indicates the time. The winding holes are cleverly concealed by a sliding shutter adorned with martial motifs, echoed by the ornament on the rear door.

The eight-day double chain fusee movement, mounted between rectangular plates, features an anchor escapement with a short pendulum and stirrup regulation. The strike train chimes the hour and the half-hour on a single bell, with repeat striking on demand via a pull cord. The strike can be silenced through an arbor on the backplate.

This clock is not only a rare survival but a unique piece, combining the finest elements of English craftsmanship, technical ingenuity, and neoclassical design. A true collector’s treasure of museum quality.

Paul Rimbault was a member of a family of clockmakers of Huguenot descent, who excelled in clockmaking. There are some very special clocks known by his hand. He worked from Denmark Street, Soho, from 1770 until his death in 1785. His brother Stephen was also a prolific maker, notably of musical and automaton clocks, with an exceptional example in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

12cm (4.72")

Depth

12cm (4.72")

Declaration

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Georgian Ormolu Urn Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1131299

Dealers Notes

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.

Description

A unique and exceptional neoclassical urn clock by Paul Rimbault, London, circa 1770.

“

This singular example of a pendule à cercles tournants stands as a masterpiece of English clockmaking and design from the Georgian period.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

fig 1. A Georgian gilt bronze urn clock featuring a cresting eagle finial, double handles, revolving dial ring, and a square relief-carved pedestal base with turned feet. — fig 1. A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

The ormolu case is of remarkable quality, with a richly ornamented square plinth base containing the movement, surmounted by an elegant lidded urn with bold scrolled handles terminating in anthemion motifs. Ram’s heads frame either side of the urn and are echoed in the decorative corners of the base. The classical design, inspired by the work of the celebrated architect and designer Robert Adam, is further embellished with finely cast drapery swags, foliate details, and classical medallions. While there is no direct connection between Rimbault and Adam, this clock reflects the influence of Adam’s neoclassical style, which shaped the decorative arts in Britain during the period and inspired clockmakers, bronze casters, and artisans alike. The urn is crowned with an exquisitely cast eagle finial, a further nod to classical symbolism.

fig 2. A Georgian gilt bronze urn clock featuring a cresting eagle finial, double handles, revolving dial ring, and a square relief-carved pedestal base with turned feet. — fig 2. A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

The time is displayed through two silvered brass rotating rings set into the body of the urn: the lower ring showing Roman numerals for the hours, the upper ring marked in Arabic numerals for every five minutes, with additional minute divisions. A delicate blued steel pointer indicates the time. The winding holes are cleverly concealed by a sliding shutter adorned with martial motifs, echoed by the ornament on the rear door.

fig 3. A Georgian gilt bronze urn clock featuring a cresting eagle finial, double handles, revolving dial ring, and a square relief-carved pedestal base with turned feet. — fig 3. A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

The eight-day double chain fusee movement, mounted between rectangular plates, features an anchor escapement with a short pendulum and stirrup regulation. The strike train chimes the hour and the half-hour on a single bell, with repeat striking on demand via a pull cord. The strike can be silenced through an arbor on the backplate.

fig 4. A Georgian gilt bronze urn clock featuring a cresting eagle finial, double handles, revolving dial ring, and a square relief-carved pedestal base with turned feet. — fig 4. A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

This clock is not only a rare survival but a unique piece, combining the finest elements of English craftsmanship, technical ingenuity, and neoclassical design. A true collector’s treasure of museum quality.

fig 5. A Georgian gilt bronze urn clock featuring a cresting eagle finial, double handles, revolving dial ring, and a square relief-carved pedestal base with turned feet. — fig 5. A Unique 18th Century Georgian Urn Clock by Paul Rimbault, Soho London, 1770

Paul Rimbault was a member of a family of clockmakers of Huguenot descent, who excelled in clockmaking. There are some very special clocks known by his hand. He worked from Denmark Street, Soho, from 1770 until his death in 1785. His brother Stephen was also a prolific maker, notably of musical and automaton clocks, with an exceptional example in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

12cm (4.72")

Depth

12cm (4.72")

Date of Manufacture

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Georgian Ormolu Urn Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1131299