Large Rococo Ormolu Antique French Clock ~ Music

~ 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.

Email Julie@dragon-antiques.com
or call ++44 1773 829629 to reserve

~~ or ~~

£4650 English Pounds Sterling

Shipping within UK £25

Shipping to USA / Europe £165 by air fully insured

World wide shipping - £225 by air fully insured

stock code:

RSC3213

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. Click the video below to hear the bell and watch the clock running.

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

About us - All of our clocks are original antiques, we source most of our clocks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. We prefer to buy our clocks in original 'dirty' condition. We then clean the cases using a technique we have developed over many years. We employ two qualified clockmakers who overhaul the movements. Movements are thoroughly tested until we are satisfied that they will run trouble free.

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).