Bronze Clocks

Bronze clocks are heavy. It`s true. Most antique clocks are mantle clocks, and they often look like statues involving bronze cherubs, women, imps, busts, mythological characters and animals. In some cases, literally the case of the clock, is like a bronze portal. They often have a nautical theme.

Collectors often seek out the Rococo style antique clocks of the 18th C for their ornante designs, but more novel bronze clocks were popular in the 19th C as well. When shopping online for vintage bronze clocks, keep in mind shipping costs. Often you may buy collectible broze clocks on eBay for a reasonable price.

Denière et Matelin was a renowned studio of French bronziers who produced ornate art objects covered in a patina or gilt- bronze. They operate din Paris during the Directoire and the First French Empire eras. This 19th century period in France is renowned for the many artists and sculptors who worked in bronze at the time. In addition to furniture mounts, candelabra, and torchères, they specialized in beautiful ornamental bronze mantel clocks. The firm had been suppliers to the royal French court before the revolution, and then after the revolution but before Napoleon`s First Empire, they exported to other European courts and to the still young United States.

It is through Denière et Matelin`s dealings with the US that a very interesting bronze clock case emerged. The interesting thing about this clock is that its current home is in the Blue Room of the White House. This room, which is used as a state parlor for receptions and guests, is decorated in shades of blue and furnishings of the French Empire style. One of those furnishings is this bronze Hannibal clock crafted by Deniere et Matelin. The bronze case of the clock features an astoundingly well-renered sculpture of a triumphant general Hannibal gazing at the sky. The artistry and history of this world treasure of a clock makes it`s probably one of the most important and fascinating bronze clocks ever produced.