Louis XVI Clocks. Louis XVI was the last king of France and reigned from 1774 until 1792. Clocks, along with other items of the time, saw an end to the Baroque fashion and took inspiration from the discoveries of Ancient Roman paintings, sculpture and architecture in Herculaneum and Pompeii. Clocks would often have Roman style figures or pillars as part of their design.
Below are some examples and price guides of Louis XVI Clocks including an ormolu mantel clock and a clock with a bisque porcelain Roman style figure.
A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU MANTLE CLOCK
LATE 18TH CENTURY
The circular dial with Roman and Arabic numerals signed ‘Bouchet HGR DU ROY’ on a channelled pedestal with ribbon-tie garlands flanked by a seated putto emblematic of love and doves, the shaped rectangular base mounted with swags and on turned toupie feet, the movement inscribed ‘Bouchet h du Roy Paris’ and numbered 302, 22.5cm wide, 10.5cm deep, 22cm high (8 1/2in wide, 4in deep, 8 1/2in high).
Sold for €1,657.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A LOUIS XVI BISCUIT PORCELAIN AND ORMOLU STRIKING MANTEL CLOCK
CIRCA 1790
The rectangular stepped case flanked by the figure of a resting Vestal Virgin and mounted with an urn, a globe and a flowering basket, with stiff-leaf border to plinth and raised on toupie feet, the white enamel dial with Arabic hours and quarter-hours, pierced gilt hands, remains of signature ‘… a Paris’, the twin barrel movement with tic-tac escapement, silk suspension, strike to bell via countwheel mounted to backplate
20 1/2 in. (52 cm.) high; 12 1/4 in. (31 cm.) wide; 8 in. (20.3 cm.) deep
Sold for GBP 21,420 at Christie’s in 2023
Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Late 18th century
The enamel dial signed Ridel à Paris. Height 21 inches (53.3 cm), width 15 inches (38.1 cm), depth (11.4 cm).
Sold for $3,780 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023
An antique French Louis XVI gilt bronze and malachite three piece set including a clock and two candelabras. The clock features multiple floral decorations on scrolled sides, malachite insets to the body and footed base, a white dial with Roman and Arab numerals marked Raingo Freres Paris, and surmounted with a vase with grapes. Each candelabra has four sconces mounted to a vase shaped stem which rests on a base with malachite insets. Circa the 1880s.
Sold for US$2,100 at Antique Arena Inc. in 2023
A Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock
Dial and Movement Signed Arsandaux, Paris, Late 18th Century
Height 32 x width 15 1/2 inches.
Sold for US$1,100 at Hindman in 2023
