Item ST 29402 Garniture - Ormolu & Enamel, France, circa 1880s

Summary

An ormolu garniture comprising a three-piece clock ensemble, made in France, circa 1880s. The set consists of a mantel clock and two matching side pieces. The clock features a 15-day striker movement.
A garniture typically consists of an ornately decorated ormolu (gilt bronze) mantel clock with a complementary pair of either vases or candelabra.
The term 'ormolu' comes from the French words 'or', meaning 'gold', and 'moulu', meaning 'ground'. Its distinctive and durable finish was achieved through a process in which finely ground gold was amalgamated with mercury and applied to a bronze surface. It was then heated to evaporate the mercury, resulting in a lustrous gold surface. This process produced a highly desired outcome but posed significant health risks to the workers involved due to toxic mercury exposure. As a result, the practice declined and was largely discontinued by the 19th century.

Physical Description

Garniture comprising a highly ornate mantel clock and two matching capped vases. Clock has gilt metal frame with decorative pink enamel columns at side and urn on top surrounding a pictorial inset and decorated face with gilt foliage ornamentation. Clock and side pieces stand on individual wooden bases and were originally under glass domes. Spring wound; anchor escapement.