for sale €4,973 $5,398

£4,250

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Clockmakers and restorers established 1987

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Antique Gilt Table Clock

Gilt Bronze Portico Clock

19th Century Ormolu Clock

French Empire Portico Clock

Id #SA1168911

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

19th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

Fine French ormolu portico mantel clock in superb condition.

A good example of a striking portico clock by Michelez of Paris (recorded as a student of the celebrated French watchmaker: Breguet and working 1811 to 1825).

The fine 8 day duration, hand-made circular movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and countwheel striking the hours and halfs on a tuned bell.

Behind 3 1/2" diameter, bowed white enamel dial with a very fine outer divided minute track surrounding Roman hour numerals. The centre bearing the maker's name of "Michelez" and stating in French that he was a "student of Breguet".

The well-proportioned, 4 tapered pillar portico case has a finely cast, deep bezel with acanthus leaf decoration and retains its original 'fire gilding'. The quality of the castings and mounts are exceptionally high and the true 'gridiron' compensated pendulum has a plain bob.

* The maker, Eve Michelez would have been extremely proud to have been taught by the famous Swiss Watchmaker - Abraham Louis Breguet as it was he who made the famous and unbelievably complicated, 'Marie Antionette watch' which has recently been valued at $100,000,000. It was completed in 1802 and, is arguably the most famous and beautiful watch ever made; please click on this link.

** The pedigree of this clock is enough to justify owning it because it has the direct link of the maker being a student of probably the most famous watchmaker that has ever lived. I, as an Horologist, am astounded by this important find that has been in a private collection for decades. The quality of the movement is simple, perfect yet - unassuming. It is 'just so' and I love it!

Height: 18 inches.

Condition: The condition is excellent. Almost all the original gilding remains, the dial is perfect and the movement is awaiting a full overhaul.

Price: The price is for the clock fully prepared and guaranteed.

For further information please contact us via email at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

45.7cm (17.99")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this French Ormolu Portico Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1168911

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14038

Description

Fine French ormolu portico mantel clock in superb condition.

“

A good example of a striking portico clock by Michelez of Paris (recorded as a student of the celebrated French watchmaker: Breguet and working 1811 to 1825).

M. C. Taylor

fig 1. An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below. — fig 1. Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

The fine 8 day duration, hand-made circular movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and countwheel striking the hours and halfs on a tuned bell.

Behind 3 1/2" diameter, bowed white enamel dial with a very fine outer divided minute track surrounding Roman hour numerals. The centre bearing the maker's name of "Michelez" and stating in French that he was a "student of Breguet".

fig 2. An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below. — fig 2. Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

The well-proportioned, 4 tapered pillar portico case has a finely cast, deep bezel with acanthus leaf decoration and retains its original 'fire gilding'. The quality of the castings and mounts are exceptionally high and the true 'gridiron' compensated pendulum has a plain bob.

fig 3. An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below. — fig 3. Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

The maker, Eve Michelez would have been extremely proud to have been taught by the famous Swiss Watchmaker - Abraham Louis Breguet as it was he who made the famous and unbelievably complicated, 'Marie Antionette watch' which has recently been valued at $100,000,000. It was completed in 1802 and, is arguably the most famous and beautiful watch ever made; please click on this link.

fig 4. An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below. — fig 4. Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

The pedigree of this clock is enough to justify owning it because it has the direct link of the maker being a student of probably the most famous watchmaker that has ever lived. I, as an Horologist, am astounded by this important find that has been in a private collection for decades. The quality of the movement is simple, perfect yet - unassuming. It is 'just so' and I love it!

fig 5. An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below. — fig 5. Early French Ormolu Portico Clock with an Incredible Pedigree. circa 1820.

Height: 18 inches.

Condition: The condition is excellent. Almost all the original gilding remains, the dial is perfect and the movement is awaiting a full overhaul.

Price: The price is for the clock fully prepared and guaranteed.

For further information please contact us via email at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

45.7cm (17.99")

Date of Manufacture

M. C. Taylor has dated this French Ormolu Portico Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1168911

Dealers Internal Ref

SA 14038

About the Dealer

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021

Clockmakers and restorers established 1987

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M. C. Taylor Profile Page

Relevant Links

PDF

SAVE

An early 19th-century French gilt bronze portico clock featuring classical columns supporting a central white enamel dial with a visible pendulum below.

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Archive I

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

Archive II

Archive III

Archive IV

Archive V

Archive VI

Archive VII

A French Empire portico clock is an architectural timepiece featuring vertical classical columns supporting an upper entablature, framing a suspended clock dial and pendulum. Originating in late 18th- and early 19th-century France, these pieces draw heavy inspiration from Greco-Roman temple design.

Ormolu clocks were crafted using gilt bronze, where gold amalgam was fire-gilded onto cast bronze surfaces. Movements were made with brass plates and steel arbors, accompanied by hand-enameled glass or bronze dials.

Authentic 19th-century pieces display heavy cast bronze with sharp, detailed chasing before gilding. Look for fine enamel dials with Roman numerals, period-appropriate thread or silk suspension mechanisms, and hand-tooled casting marks on the reverse.

A portico clock serves as a focal point when placed centrally on a living room mantelpiece, hallway console table, or library sideboard. Its architectural silhouette complements classical, eclectic, and transitional interior schemes.

Dust gilt bronze surfaces gently with a soft microfibre cloth or camel-hair brush, avoiding water, polish, or abrasive chemicals that strip gilded layers. Internal mechanical clockworks should be cleaned and oiled every five to seven years by a professional horologist.

M. C. Taylor

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

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M. C. Taylor

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

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

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French Charles X Ormolu and Cut Crystal Portico Clock

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M. C. Taylor

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What defines a French Empire portico clock?

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How do you identify an authentic 19th-century French ormolu clock?

How can a French portico clock be styled in modern interiors?

How should antique ormolu and clock movements be preserved?

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