Rare Rococo Ormolu Clock Set with Visible Pendulum.

~ French - Circa 1870 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled & running ~~ 

A stunning and rare original antique French clock set, finely modelled in ormolu (fine gilded bronze). It is unusual in having not only the clockmakers mark but also the bronze foundry mark of Emile Colin et Cie, Paris on both the clock and the candelabra. It is a beautiful Rococo balloon shape, flamboyant acanthus legs hold the movement aloft and the original ormolu pendulum is visible, swinging gently below. Above the dial is an elaborate 'C' scroll and stylised floral finial. Candelabra are beautifully modelled as entwined foliage.

Emile Colin worked in second half the 19th century for number of renowned artists, including Carrier Belleuse, Feuchère, Fratin, Pradier, Theodore Rivière, Mathurin Moreau, Mindron, and Charpentier.  He sent a bronze clock and some marble vases decorated with bronze to the 1893 Chicago exhibition, in addition to some sculpture.  The Colin foundry was located at 29 Rue de Sevinge in 1843, and then at 17 Rue des Tournelles starting in 1914.  Around 1930 the foundry operating a shop at 12 Avenue Victor-Emmanuelle III.

The dial is enamel on copper and is complete with the original delicately fretted gilt brass hands. 

The French movement is of high quality and has the superior rack striking mechanism and pin pallet escapement. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is original. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent with clean and bright finish and there are no losses. There is some wear to the original gilding and it has a mellow antique colour. The dial is in excellent condition with no chips or scratches.

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

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

Full Size video - click here!
(to download, right click and select "save target as")

Clockmakers mark on the movement backplate.


Bronze foundry mark - Emile Colin et Cie, Paris.