19th Century French Raingo Frères Gilt Bronze & Onyx Clock Garniture - 3 Pieces

Details

Description

A palatial 3-piece French garniture set of documented "jewelry-grade" quality. Centered by a 32" clock featuring a figural group after … Read more A palatial 3-piece French garniture set of documented "jewelry-grade" quality. Centered by a 32" clock featuring a figural group after Clodion, this set is a matched production (#1350/1351) by the legendary Raingo Frères, suppliers to the Louvre and British royalty. Sourced from the historic Lowenstein Mansion of Memphis, TN, and museum-restored by Mumford’s (Raleigh, NC). The restoration includes a mechanical overhaul and conservation of the gold ormolu mounts against the architectural white onyx bodies.

Origin: Paris, France.

Date: c. 1870–1880 (Napoleon III).

Maker: Raingo Frères, Paris. The movement is stamped and the dial signed by the firm that served as bronziers to Emperor Napoleon III and King George V.

Artistic Attribution: The figural bronze group of nymphs and a satyr is cast after the celebrated 18th-century sculptor Claude Michel (Clodion), capturing the "Bacchanalia" spirit popularized in the Rococo period.

Components: 32" Mantel Clock (matched set #1350); Pair of 34" Six-Light Candelabras (matched set #1351); Original Swiss winding key; Original jeweler’s storage bag from Perel & Lowenstein.

Provenance: This set was a primary fixture of the Lowenstein Mansion (756 Jefferson Ave, Memphis), the residence of Elias Lowenstein, a merchant prince and philanthropist. It later entered the collection of the Perel & Lowenstein jewelry dynasty, where it was maintained as a piece of "jewelry-grade" horology. Historic photos from 1984 accompany the sale.

Condition Report: Professionally restored to museum standards by Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, NC (Documentation included). The Raingo movement has undergone a complete mechanical overhaul. The ormolu (gilt bronze) has been conserved, not over-cleaned, to preserve its original gold leaf. The white onyx has been stabilized and hand-polished. Note: One uncleaned original finial is included but not displayed.

Dimensions: Clock: 32"H x 18"W x 9.5"D. Candelabras: 34"H x 8.5" (Base).

Weight: ~145 lbs (Unboxed) / ~210 lbs (Boxed/Crated).

You are purchasing a treasured piece of history. These items are vintage or antique and, as such, will show signs of wear, age, and character. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Any additional items shown in photos are for staging purposes only and are not included in the sale. See less