This is a superb and very decorative French Rococo revival ormolu and mesh fire-screen, circa 1870 in date.
The shaped rectangular screen features an acanthus crest handle and the screen is mounted with ribbon-tied overlaids of swags of rock roses, with floral and musical trophies. The screen is raised on out-swept hoof feet.
Add a lovely French focal point to you home with this lovely fire screen
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 78.5 cm x Width 66 cm x Depth 15.5 cm
Dimensions in inches:Height 2 foot, 7 inches x Width 2 foot, 2 inches x Depth 6 inches
Ormolu - Gilt Bronze (from French ''or moulu'', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ''gilt bronze''.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a proc
...ess known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..
Our reference: A5165
Internal Reference: A5165
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1204971
Dateline of this antique is 1870
Height is 78.5cm (30.9inches)Width is 66cm (26.0inches)Depth is 15.5cm (6.1inches)
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