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ID #SA804115
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£5,850
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Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C
Regent Antiques
for sale €6,845     $7,430
£5,850
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
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    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
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Id #SA804115
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Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

19th century
For Sale by Regent Antiques
Description

This is a superb quality antique French malachite, bronze and ormolu mantel clock dating from Circa 1850 in date.

It features Louis XVI seated on an ormolu throne chair whilst reading a book.

The clockmakers name is inscribed on the backplate. It is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is original. The movement bearing the serial number 29, made and signed by Japy Fils 1849. It has an early Frnch silk suspension movement.

This stunning clock will make a statement wherever placed.

Condition:

This clock is in excellent working condition, the movement having been cleaned and serviced, the ormolu and malachite case having been polished, in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 58 x Width 44 x Depth 19

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 7 inches

Malachite is an opaque, green banded mineral. It is believed to be a strong protector of children. It protects the wearer from accidents and protects travellers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.

Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Most malachite comes from Zaire, Chile and Australia.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.

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 process 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: A1912

Physical Dimensions
Height
58cm (22.83")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Malachite Ormolu Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA804115
Dealers Internal Reference
A1912
Description
This is a superb quality antique French malachite, bronze and ormolu mantel clock dating from Circa 1850 in date.

It features Louis XVI seated on an ormolu throne chair whilst reading a book.

The clockmakers name is inscribed on the backplate.

It is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker.
Regent Antiques

Pendulum is original. The movement bearing the serial number 29, made and signed by Japy Fils 1849. It has an early Frnch silk suspension movement.

fig 1. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 1. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

This stunning clock will make a statement wherever placed.

Condition:

This clock is in excellent working condition, the movement having been cleaned and serviced, the ormolu and malachite case having been polished, in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 2. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 58 x Width 44 x Depth 19

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 7 inches

Malachite is an opaque, green banded mineral. It is believed to be a strong protector of children. It protects the wearer from accidents and protects travellers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 3. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Most malachite comes from Zaire, Chile and Australia.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.

fig 4. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 4. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

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'.

fig 5. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 5. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process 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.

fig 6. A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
fig 6. Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C

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: A1912

Height
58cm (22.83")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Malachite Ormolu Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA804115
Dealers Internal Ref
A1912
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

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

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
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Archive I A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.

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

Archive II A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
Archive V A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View VII
Archive VIII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View VIII
Archive IX A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View IX
Archive X A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View X
Archive XI A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XI
Archive XII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XII
Archive XIII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XIII
Archive XIV A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XIV
Archive XV A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XV
Archive XVI A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XVI
Archive XVII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XVII
Archive XVIII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XVIII
Archive XIX A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XIX
Archive XX A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XX
Archive XXI A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XXI
Archive XXII A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair. View XXII
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 659
Items Sold 2,608
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
659
Sold
2,608
A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
Antique Malachite Ormolu & Bronze Mantel Clock Silk Suspension Movement 19th C
Ref: SA804115
A nineteenth-century French mantel clock featuring a green malachite base with gilt bronze mounts, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, and a dark bronze figure seated on a gilt chair.
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Scale Reference
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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.
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.

French figurative mantel clocks, often called pendules sujets, feature sculptural subjects such as historical, literary, or allegorical figures crafted in patinated or gilded bronze positioned above or alongside the clock mechanism.

These timepieces were constructed using cast bronze with fire-gilding (ormolu), dark patinated bronze for sculpted figures, carved or veneered malachite or marble bases, and white enamel dials with hand-painted numerals.

Authentic movements from this period typically feature silk suspension systems or steel spring suspension, countwheel strike mechanisms, finely chased bronze castings, and maker marks stamped on the back plate.

Display the piece centrally on a fireplace mantelpiece, a formal sideboard, or a library desk to serve as an anchor object, pairing it with neutral backdrops to emphasize the green malachite and gilding.

Dust surfaces using a soft dry brush or microfiber cloth without applying chemical solvents or abrasive polishes, as liquid cleaners can strip original gilding and damage natural stone veneers.
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