What characterises a French Rococo ormolu clock?

French Rococo ormolu clocks are defined by asymmetrical C-scrolls, acanthus leaf decoration, and figurative motifs such as cherubs or musical instruments. Originating in the 18th century during the reign of Louis XV, these timepieces feature cast bronze cases finished with gold fire-gilding.

How were antique ormolu clocks traditionally constructed?

These timepieces were crafted by casting bronze using the lost-wax technique, followed by hand-chasing to refine the detail. Gold amalgam was then applied to the surface and heated to drive off mercury, leaving a durable layer of gilding, with mechanical movements housed behind enamel dials.

How can an authentic 19th-century French ormolu clock be identified?

Authentic pieces feature heavy cast bronze construction with detailed hand-chased ornamentation rather than light spelter or pot metal. Original enamel dials often display fine hand-painted numerals, and mechanical movements frequently bear maker stamps or serial numbers on the back plate.

How can a Rococo mantel clock be incorporated into modern interior design?

Position the clock as a central focal point on a fireplace mantelpiece, marble-topped sideboard, or console table. Pair it with minimalist contemporary artwork or architectural mirrors to create a balanced contrast between traditional craftsmanship and modern lines.

What is the correct method for cleaning and preserving gilded bronze?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry camel-hair brush to prevent abrasive dirt from settling in detailed carving. Avoid liquid metal polishes or chemical cleaners, as these strip original fire-gilding and damage delicate patination.

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Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

Name: Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA965291
Price: 4650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French - Circa 1860 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A superb and substantial ormolu clock from a design by the 18th century bronze founder Robert Osmond and made by the famous Compagnie des Bronze of Brussels. Louis XV in style, an elegant waisted case formed of scrolls and acanthus. Fretted panels to the sides and below the dial is a mount depicting a collection of musical trophies. To the top is a charming cherub 'Genius' playing a lyre.

The clock stands on an integral plinth, a faint reflection of the pendulum gently swinging can be seen. It is of the the highest quality, beautifully modelled and finished in ormolu (finely gilded bronze or doré bronze). The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with beautifully pieced and engraved gilt bronze hands and convex glass. It is signed for the Compagnie des Bronze. The rear door is also glazed to allow the movement to be seen.

The French movement is of high quality and is by Vincenti. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. We have a video of the clock, please ask and we will send you a link.

This clock is almost identical to the 18th century clock signed by Robert Osmond, illustrated in Giacomo et Aurelie Wannenes, Les Plus Belles Pendules Francaises, 2013, P82 and very similar to a clock signed by Osmond in H. Ottomeyer et P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, I, p. 129, fig. 2.8.19. A similar clock (now missing its lyre) is in the French National Collection at the Palace of Versailles, inventory number GML-11320-000, entitled Pendule au génie de la musique.

Robert Osmond (1711 - 1789) became a master bronzier in Paris in 1746. His nephew, Jean-Baptiste Osmond became a master in 1764 and as of that date worked closely with his uncle. Prolific bronze casters and chasers, the Osmonds worked with equal success in both the Louis XV and the Neo-classical styles. Prized by connoisseurs of the period, their work was distributed by clockmakers although they made all types of furnishing objects, including fire dogs, wall lights and inkstands. Several examples of their work can be seen in museums including the Louvre, Getty and the Royal collection.

Compagnie des Bronze of Brussels produced fine bronze from their premises at Molenbeek-Saint-Jean from 1854, finally closing in 1979.

Vincenti Clockmaker's mark on the movement backplate along with the retailers mark

Compagnie des Bronze signature on the dial

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage, some slight fading to the Cie des Bronze signature.

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

Dimensions of clock:

inches: Height 19 1/2", Width 13", Depth 6 3/4"

centimetres: Height 49.5 cm, Width 33 cm, Depth 17 cm

Shipping within UK £25

Shipping to USA / Europe £165 by air fully insured

World wide shipping - £225 by air fully insured

Physical Dimensions

Height

49.5cm (19.49")

Width

33cm (12.99")

Depth

17cm (6.69")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA965291

Dealers Internal Reference

RSC3213

Dealers Notes

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Description

~ French - Circa 1860 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

“

A superb and substantial ormolu clock from a design by the 18th century bronze founder Robert Osmond and made by the famous Compagnie des Bronze of Brussels.

Dragon-Antiques.com

Louis XV in style, an elegant waisted case formed of scrolls and acanthus. Fretted panels to the sides and below the dial is a mount depicting a collection of musical trophies. To the top is a charming cherub 'Genius' playing a lyre.

fig 1. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 1. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

The clock stands on an integral plinth, a faint reflection of the pendulum gently swinging can be seen. It is of the the highest quality, beautifully modelled and finished in ormolu (finely gilded bronze or doré bronze). The dial is porcelain enamel on copper with beautifully pieced and engraved gilt bronze hands and convex glass. It is signed for the Compagnie des Bronze. The rear door is also glazed to allow the movement to be seen.

fig 2. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 2. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

The French movement is of high quality and is by Vincenti. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. We have a video of the clock, please ask and we will send you a link.

fig 3. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 3. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

This clock is almost identical to the 18th century clock signed by Robert Osmond, illustrated in Giacomo et Aurelie Wannenes, Les Plus Belles Pendules Francaises, 2013, P82 and very similar to a clock signed by Osmond in H. Ottomeyer et P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, I, p. 129, fig. 2.8.19. A similar clock (now missing its lyre) is in the French National Collection at the Palace of Versailles, inventory number GML-11320-000, entitled Pendule au génie de la musique.

fig 4. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 4. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

Robert Osmond (1711 - 1789) became a master bronzier in Paris in 1746. His nephew, Jean-Baptiste Osmond became a master in 1764 and as of that date worked closely with his uncle. Prolific bronze casters and chasers, the Osmonds worked with equal success in both the Louis XV and the Neo-classical styles. Prized by connoisseurs of the period, their work was distributed by clockmakers although they made all types of furnishing objects, including fire dogs, wall lights and inkstands. Several examples of their work can be seen in museums including the Louvre, Getty and the Royal collection.

fig 5. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 5. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

Compagnie des Bronze of Brussels produced fine bronze from their premises at Molenbeek-Saint-Jean from 1854, finally closing in 1979.

Vincenti Clockmaker's mark on the movement backplate along with the retailers mark

fig 6. A French Rococo gilded bronze mantel clock featuring a cherub surmount, musical instrument reliefs, and a white enamel dial. — fig 6. Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

Compagnie des Bronze signature on the dial

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage, some slight fading to the Cie des Bronze signature.