for sale €9,302 $10,097

£7,950

Walton House Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2011

Browse dealers 248 items

About Us

Specialists in 18th and early 19th century antique furniture 19th century oils and 19th french ormolu clocks
Trade Associations

Walton House Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Id #SA1147102

PDF

SAVE

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Name: French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1147102
Price: 7950 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Walton House Antiques

Description

A French empire ormolu mantel clock white enamel dial signed Vaucher Elve de Breguet a Paris silk suspension movement set in a bookcase flanked by 2 reading figures on swagged oval base.

Dimensions

Height 17" 43cm

Width 12" 31cm

Depth 7" 18cm

All of the items that we advertise for sale have been as accurately described as possible and are in excellent condition, unless otherwise stated. Please note that we are also able to arrange a full shipping service for our customers. We look forward to being of service.

Please find our full stock list on waltonshouseantiques.co.uk

Date of Manufacture

Walton House Antiques has dated this French Empire Ormolu Clock to the Georgian era.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43cm (16.93")

Width

30cm (11.81")

Depth

18cm (7.09")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1147102

Dealers Internal Reference

CL90

Dealers Notes

All of the items that we advertise for sale have been as accurately described as possible and are in excellent condition, unless otherwise stated. Please note that we are also able to arrange a full shipping service for our customers. We look forward to being of service.

Description

A French empire ormolu mantel clock white enamel dial signed Vaucher Elve de Breguet a Paris silk suspension movement set in a bookcase flanked by 2 reading figures on swagged oval base.

Dimensions

Height 17" 43cm

fig 1. A French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock featuring a central enamel dial flanked by two seated figures reading books atop a decorated plinth. — fig 1. French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Width 12" 31cm

Depth 7" 18cm

“

All of the items that we advertise for sale have been as accurately described as possible and are in excellent condition, unless otherwise stated.

Walton House Antiques

Please note that we are also able to arrange a full shipping service for our customers. We look forward to being of service.

Please find our full stock list on waltonshouseantiques.co.uk

Date of Manufacture

Walton House Antiques has dated this French Empire Ormolu Clock to the Georgian era.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43cm (16.93")

Width

30cm (11.81")

Depth

18cm (7.09")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1147102

Dealers Internal Ref

CL90

About the Dealer

Walton House Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2011

Specialists in 18th and early 19th century antique furniture 19th century oils and 19th french ormolu clocks

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Walton House Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Walton House Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

PDF

SAVE

A French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock featuring a central enamel dial flanked by two seated figures reading books atop a decorated plinth.

1 / 8

Archive I

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Archive II

A French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock featuring a central enamel dial flanked by two seated figures reading books atop a decorated plinth. View II

Archive III

Archive IV

Scale Reference for A French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock featuring a central enamel dial flanked by two seated figures reading books atop a decorated plinth.

Archive V

Archive VI

Archive VII

Archive VIII

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

19th Century

Empire Astronomy Clock After Reiche

19th Century

A French Ormolu Mantle Clock of Lion Form

19th Century

Mantel Clock by Frères Raingo

19th Century

French Empire 'Trophies of War' Mantel Clock

19th Century

Antique Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

19th Century

Rare Gothic French Empire "Ravrio" Bronze / Ormolu Mantle Clock. Circa 1820s.

19th Century

Au Bon Sauvage: A Rare French Mantel Clock

1800

Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

1850

Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

19th Century

Interesting Small Very Elegant French Louis Quinze Pendule / Mantel Clock, Circa 1750

1750

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectMantel Clocks
Period18th century
StyleFrench Empire
MaterialOrmolu, Gilt Bronze, Enamel
ColourGold
MotifsReading figures, library bookcase backdrop, floral swags, laurel wreath cresting
SizeH 43 cm (17 in) x W 30 cm (12 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

This French Empire ormolu mantel clock belongs to the Georgian period and follows a gentleman's library style. The piece uses ormolu, gilt bronze, and enamel materials in a striking gold colour. A white enamel dial sits centrally, signed Vaucher Elve de Breguet a Paris, with a silk suspension movement. The clock case takes the form of a library bookcase, flanked by two seated figures reading books, and stands upon an oval base decorated with floral swags and a laurel wreath cresting on top. The structure rests on round turned feet and includes finely cast details such as foliage mouldings and miniature book spines. It measures 43 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 18 cm deep. In a modern interior, this mantel clock sits proudly upon a mantelpiece or library shelf as a functional timekeeper and sculptural centrepiece. It suits period studies, formal drawing rooms, or traditional living spaces where its classical iconography complements sophisticated decor. Placing it in a prominent position allows the gilded surfaces and intricate figurative casting to catch the light, bringing refined character to a desktop, side table, or bookcase top.

FAQs

French Empire ormolu mantel clocks originated in the early 19th century under Napoleons reign, blending classical Roman and Greek motifs with ornate metal casting. They typically feature allegorical figures, architectural elements, and intricate gilding mounted around a central movement.

These clocks are primarily constructed from cast bronze that has been mercury-gilded to achieve a rich gold finish, a technique known as ormolu. The dial faces are often crafted from white enamel with painted Roman numerals and delicate steel hands.

Authentic period examples feature heavy mercury gilding with hand-chased details, silk-thread or wire pendulum suspensions, and signature clockmaker marks on the enamel dial or backplate. Casting seams are typically well-finished, and assembly hardware often shows hand-cut threading.

Place the clock as a focal point on a marble fireplace mantelpiece or atop a dark wood sideboard. Pair it with clean-lined contemporary artwork or modern ceramics to create an engaging balance between classical detail and minimalist design.

Dust regularly with a dry, soft camel-hair brush to prevent dust build-up in detailed chasing. Avoid using chemical metal polishes, abrasive cloths, or water, as these can strip or degrade the delicate gold mercury gilding.

Walton House Antiques

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

Empire Astronomy Clock After Reiche

A French Ormolu Mantle Clock of Lion Form

Mantel Clock by Frères Raingo

French Empire 'Trophies of War' Mantel Clock

Antique Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Rare Gothic French Empire "Ravrio" Bronze / Ormolu Mantle Clock. Circa 1820s.

Au Bon Sauvage: A Rare French Mantel Clock

Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

Interesting Small Very Elegant French Louis Quinze Pendule / Mantel Clock, Circa 1750

Walton House Antiques

Email Walton House Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories

Walton House Antiques

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

Empire Astronomy Clock After Reiche

A French Ormolu Mantle Clock of Lion Form

Mantel Clock by Frères Raingo

French Empire 'Trophies of War' Mantel Clock

Antique Early 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Rare Gothic French Empire "Ravrio" Bronze / Ormolu Mantle Clock. Circa 1820s.

Au Bon Sauvage: A Rare French Mantel Clock

Early and Fine Bronze, Ormolu and Specimen Marble Clock with Cupid, Silk Suspension Movement.

Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

Interesting Small Very Elegant French Louis Quinze Pendule / Mantel Clock, Circa 1750

Walton House Antiques

Email Walton House Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

What defines a French Empire ormolu mantel clock?

What materials were traditionally used in crafting these clocks?

How can you identify authentic 19th-century French clocks?

How do you style a French Empire clock in a modern interior?

How should gilt bronze ormolu be cleaned and maintained?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories