The Story of Ormolu

Ormolu is mentioned in many of our descriptions, including those of clocks and furniture.

What does the term mean? What is the history? Read below to find out more about ormolu and see some of the beautiful examples here at Solvang Antiques.

French Shelf Clock With Putti Ormolu by Henry Mare c. 1830

Ormolu is defined as gilded brass or bronze used for decorative purposes, as in mounts for furniture. The origin of the word ormolu comes from the French term or moulu which literally means ground gold.

Ormolu is an 18th Century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold-mercury amalgam to an object of bronze or spelter. During the process, known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, the mercury from the gold-mercury amalgam is burnt off in a kiln under extreme temperatures leaving behind pure gold veneer adhered to the metal object. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré. The English also call it gilt bronze.

French Louis XV Marble Top Commode c. 1775

French Boulle Inlaid Bracket Clock, c. 1720

These processes created a very toxic working environment and most gilders did not survive beyond 40 years old due to exposure to the harmful mercury fumes. In 1830, France’s legislation outlawed the use of mercury due to the toxicity. It was still a process commonly employed however, into the 1900’s. Other gilding techniques, such as electroplating eventually took over, but nothing surpasses the original mercury-firing method for beauty, durability and the richness of the intense gold color.

French Louis XV Clock Signed Darville Paris, c. 1770

Louis XV Style Writing Desk in Satinwood

The cleaning of gold ormolu should be limited to gently dusting with a soft cloth or soft brush. Pure gold will not corrode under normal conditions.

English Quarter Hour Chiming Bracket Clock by Clerke

French Pair of Bombe Rosewood Commodes