French Louis XVI Onyx and Ormolu Clock by Raingo Frères

Description

A high quality French 19th century Louis XVI ormolu and onyx clock signed Raingo Frères.

The clock is raised by two elegant rectangular reeded supports at the front and circular spiral fluted feet behind below striking richly chased elongated rosettes centering a fine pierced fitted intertwined laurel branch also repeated at the rounded sides. At the center is an impressive pierced fitted ormolu mount with Rinceau shaped scrolled acanthus leaves and berried laurel garlands flanked by striking fluted columns with fitted decorative ormolu chandelles and stunning lightly curved richly chased cornucopias with ribbons at each side. The enamel dial displays Roman numeral hour markings and Arabic numeral minute markings with elegant pierced foliate ormolu hands framed within an elegant mottled bezel with foliate and beaded designs. Above is the remarkable top crown a richly chased berried laurel wreath, a quiver, arrows, a bow and the eternal flame all tied with a flowing ribbon and displaying a wonderful satin and burnished finish. All original gilt throughout.

Raingo Fréres, established in 1813 in Paris, specialized in the high precision clock making and bronze work during the Empire and the Restoration period. Raingo is associated with many exquisite models of clocks and many of these designs were patented. They frequently worked in partnership with very prestigious cabinetmakers in particular François Linke.