Large Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu clock set by F. Barbedienne

This elegant garniture consists of a central mantel clock and a pair of flanking candelabra and is made throughout from resplendent gilt-bronze (ormolu), in the Louis XV style.

The clock consists of a pyramidal base, set upon a narrow oval form upon eight feet. The base is encircled by a laurel leaf band, set with leafy rosettes and scrolled foliage, and decorated to either side with floral scrolls, which are decorated with acanthus, fruit, and oak-leaf swags. The large circular enamel dial and the body of the clock are set upon a large rising plinth, and is surmounted by a clinkled ribbon bow. A large Classical urn forms the pinnacle of the clock, draped with fruiting swags and foliate finials. The enamel dial is inscribed with Roman and Arabic numerals and signed 'F. Barbedienne / A Paris.'

The candelabra are similarly designed and executed, set on similar oval bases and moutned on identical feet. These support a pair of pedestal-shaped stems, also flanked by scrolls. Curled acanthus leaves and sculptural swags line their bodies, and they are topped with twin-handled urns, like that above the clock, which are crowned by the light branches themselves. The candelabra bear seven curling leafy twisted branches, intermittently decorated with scrolls floral motifs, terminating in beaded drip-pans and urn-shape capitals with beaded sconces. A final light surmounts the very top of each stem, that holds a removable lid with a flame finial.

This fine set was made by Barbedienne, a leading Parisian bronzier of the late nineteenth century. The back of the clock is also inscribed 'Ed. Minart.'

Clock: height 58cm, width 51cm, depth 19cm
Candelabra: height 75cm, width 35cm, depth 28cm