Object Description
A fine quality antique French ormolu and onyx miniature pedestal table stand, Circa 1880 in date.
The pedestal with two square onyx tiers mounted in moulded and beaded bezels, raised on square-section supports with anthemion swags.
The sculpture shown in the photos is not included in the price but can be purchased if required.
Condition:
In really excellent condition, with only very minor signs of wear commensurate with age and use, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 35 x Width 15 x Depth 15
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 6 inches x Depth 6 inches
Ormolu – Gilt Bronze (from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..
Our reference: A3380