What is a French ormolu and porcelain mantel clock?

A French ormolu and porcelain mantel clock is a nineteenth-century decorative timepiece crafted from gilded bronze and painted ceramic panels. Originating in France, these horological pieces were created as decorative centrepieces for fireplace mantels in prominent residences.

What materials are used in nineteenth-century French clocks?

These clocks are primarily constructed using chased gilt bronze or brass (ormolu), soft-paste or hard-paste porcelain, cast iron for the internal movement framework, and glass or enamel for the clock dial face.

How do you identify an authentic Achille Brocot clock movement?

Authentic Brocot movements feature a stamped maker mark on the back plate, often displaying Brocot alongside trade medal stamps or serial numbers. They are distinguished by the patented Brocot escapement and steel suspension springs.

How should an antique mantel clock be styled in a modern interior?

Position the clock centrally on a marble fireplace mantelpiece, credenza, or console table to establish a formal focal point. Balance the visual weight by flanking the clock with understated symmetry, such as slender brass candlesticks or clear glass vases.

How do you clean and maintain antique ormolu and porcelain clocks?

Dust the exterior gently with a dry, soft microfibre cloth or camel hair brush. Avoid liquid cleaners, brass polishes, or water on original mercury gilding, and have the mechanical movement professionally serviced and lubricated by a horologist every three to five years.

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Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

Name: Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233221
Price: 3150 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French - Circa 1860 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A fine and early ormolu (finely gilded bronze) and Sèvres-style porcelain clock by the renowned maker Achille Brocot, retailed by the illustrious London firm of Charles Frodsham & Co. The porcelain is of a beautiful and rare violet coloured ground, exquisitely decorated with classical motifs depicting musical instruments amongst delicate trailing acanthus.

The rectangular architectural case is finely cast and richly gilded, the façade flanked by reeded pilasters and embellished throughout with crisply modelled foliate and classical ornament.

The porcelain dial is beautifully decorated, with individual white cartouche reserves for the Roman numerals and applied porcelain jewels adding further richness and detail. Fine blued-steel hands indicate the time. Above, the clock is surmounted by a magnificent porcelain urn with domed cover and gilt finial, embraced by elaborate scrolling ormolu handles and raised upon a spreading gilt-bronze socle.

Of particular note are the finely modelled sculptural mounts adorning either side of the case, together with the luxuriant floral and foliate ornament arranged around the lower section. The clock is raised upon a handsome shaped gesso base, providing an elegant foundation for the richly decorated case.

The unusual combination of finely gilded bronze and vivid violet porcelain gives the clock considerable presence. The quality of the casting, gilding and applied ornament, combined with the exceptionally decorative porcelain, is characteristic of the finest French decorative arts of the nineteenth century.

The high-quality French movement is by the renowned maker Achille Brocot and is in excellent, clean running condition, having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. The original pendulum is present. The movement runs for eight days and strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. Please note that, as is characteristic of this particular style of clock, it was made without front or rear bezels. We have a video of the clock, please ask and we will send you a link.

The condition of the case is excellent, with the original gilding remaining beautifully clean and bright, showing only very occasional areas of slight wear and discolouration consistent with age. The porcelain is also in very good condition; the dial has some minor nibbles around the winding holes, and a small number of the half-hour porcelain ‘jewels’ are missing. The shaped gesso base has been sympathetically re-covered with fresh fabric, carefully chosen to complement the rich violet colour of the porcelain. There is some slight wear to the gesso base, particularly on the corners.

Achille Brocot was a member of the renowned Brocot clockmaking family, the eldest son of Louis Gabriel Brocot. He was treasurer to La Société des Horlogers in Paris and was awarded First Class Medal at the 1855 Paris Exhibition - Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers.

Charles Frodsham (1810-1871) was a distinguished English clockmaker, establishing the firm Charles Frodsham & Co which remains in existence as the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer makers in the world. The firm moved to 84 Strand in 1843.

Achille Brocot mark on the movement backplate and bezel

Charles Frodsham signature on the dial

Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

Dimensions of clock (overall including the base):

inches: Height 16 1/2", Width 12", Depth 6"

centimetres: Height 42 cm, Width 30.5 cm, Depth 15 cm

Shipping within UK £25

Shipping to USA / Europe £85 by air fully insured

World wide shipping - £125 by air fully insured

Physical Dimensions

Height

42cm (16.54")

Width

30.5cm (12.01")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Declaration

Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this Ormolu Sevres Mantel Clock to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233221

Dealers Internal Reference

RSC4151

Dealers Notes

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Description

~ French - Circa 1860 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

“

A fine and early ormolu (finely gilded bronze) and Sèvres-style porcelain clock by the renowned maker Achille Brocot, retailed by the illustrious London firm of Charles Frodsham & Co.

Dragon-Antiques.com

The porcelain is of a beautiful and rare violet coloured ground, exquisitely decorated with classical motifs depicting musical instruments amongst delicate trailing acanthus.

fig 1. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 1. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

The rectangular architectural case is finely cast and richly gilded, the façade flanked by reeded pilasters and embellished throughout with crisply modelled foliate and classical ornament.

The porcelain dial is beautifully decorated, with individual white cartouche reserves for the Roman numerals and applied porcelain jewels adding further richness and detail. Fine blued-steel hands indicate the time. Above, the clock is surmounted by a magnificent porcelain urn with domed cover and gilt finial, embraced by elaborate scrolling ormolu handles and raised upon a spreading gilt-bronze socle.

fig 2. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 2. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

Of particular note are the finely modelled sculptural mounts adorning either side of the case, together with the luxuriant floral and foliate ornament arranged around the lower section. The clock is raised upon a handsome shaped gesso base, providing an elegant foundation for the richly decorated case.

fig 3. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 3. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

The unusual combination of finely gilded bronze and vivid violet porcelain gives the clock considerable presence. The quality of the casting, gilding and applied ornament, combined with the exceptionally decorative porcelain, is characteristic of the finest French decorative arts of the nineteenth century.

fig 4. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 4. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

The high-quality French movement is by the renowned maker Achille Brocot and is in excellent, clean running condition, having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. The original pendulum is present. The movement runs for eight days and strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. Please note that, as is characteristic of this particular style of clock, it was made without front or rear bezels. We have a video of the clock, please ask and we will send you a link.

fig 5. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 5. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

The condition of the case is excellent, with the original gilding remaining beautifully clean and bright, showing only very occasional areas of slight wear and discolouration consistent with age. The porcelain is also in very good condition; the dial has some minor nibbles around the winding holes, and a small number of the half-hour porcelain ‘jewels’ are missing. The shaped gesso base has been sympathetically re-covered with fresh fabric, carefully chosen to complement the rich violet colour of the porcelain. There is some slight wear to the gesso base, particularly on the corners.

fig 6. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 6. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

Achille Brocot was a member of the renowned Brocot clockmaking family, the eldest son of Louis Gabriel Brocot. He was treasurer to La Société des Horlogers in Paris and was awarded First Class Medal at the 1855 Paris Exhibition - Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers.

fig 7. An ornate French gilt bronze and lilac hand-painted porcelain mantel clock featuring a decorative urn finial and fluted side columns. — fig 7. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Clock by Achille Brocot - Fully Restored and Running

Charles Frodsham (1810-1871) was a distinguished English clockmaker, establishing the firm Charles Frodsham & Co which remains in existence as the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer makers in the world. The firm moved to 84 Strand in 1843.