RARE Museum Quality Memento Mori Ormolu Gilt Bronze Skull Skeleton Desk Clock

An Exquisite 18th-Century Memento Mori Masterpiece

Presented for the discerning collector is an exceptionally rare, museum-quality antique Memento Mori desk clock, circa the 1780s. Masterfully cast in solid bronze and finished in brilliant 18k ormolu gilding, this piece is a profound meditation on mortality and time.

The sculpture features a meticulously detailed, crowned skeleton seated atop a large, hinged human skull, caught in a philosophical pose while gazing into a smaller skull held in its skeletal hands. The presence of the crown serves as a classic Danse Macabre motif, signifying that death is the great equalizer, coming for both kings and commoners alike.

When the top of the large foundational skull is tilted back, it reveals a breathtaking verge fusee clock movement, a secret reminder that time is fleeting.

The Clock & Movement The clock is signed by the esteemed makers Borel à Hambourg on the pristine white enamel dial, which features elegant Roman numerals for the hours, outer Arabic numeral markers for the quarters (15, 30, 45, 60), and finely pierced gilt hands.

The gilt full-plate verge fusee movement is a work of art in itself. Signed “Borel & Rojard Fils,” it boasts a spectacularly pierced and engraved continental balance bridge, intricately chased with scrollwork, alongside a silvered regulator disk and classic square pillars.

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Perfect. Exceptionally preserved for an artifact of over 240 years of age.

• Ormolu / Gilt: The 18k fire-gilding (ormolu) remains incredibly vibrant and rich, highlighting the masterful chasing and anatomical detail of the skeleton and skulls.

• Dial: The enamel dial is in excellent antique condition with no severe hairlines or chips.

• Movement: The verge fusee movement is visually stunning and intact.

• Hinge: The skull casing opens and closes smoothly and securely.

• Base: Presented on a polished black hardstone/marble plinth.

Measurements & Specifications

• Total Height: 16 cm (approx. 6.3 inches)

• Theme: Memento Mori / Vanitas

• Material: 18k Gilt Bronze (Ormolu), Enamel, Brass, Hardstone

• Movement Type: Antique Verge Fusee (Key wind)

• Maker: Borel à Hambourg / Borel & Rojard Fils

• Era: Late 18th Century (c. 1780s)

• Inclusions: Comes complete with a winding key.

Historical Context: The Memento Mori

Translated from Latin as “Remember that you must die,” the Memento Mori was a highly prized genre of art and horology from the 16th through the 18th centuries. These objects were not meant to be morbid, but rather philosophical tools for the aristocracy and scholars. By combining the ticking passage of time with the visceral imagery of skulls and skeletons, the owner was constantly reminded to live a virtuous and meaningful life, as earthly time is finite. To find one executed in such high-grade ormolu, complete with a concealed verge movement, is exceedingly rare.

Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they serve as a primary part of the visual description. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding this magnificent piece of horological history.

Shipping & Handling: This museum-grade piece will be meticulously professionally packed with museum-standard materials to ensure its safe transit worldwide.

The clock comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR 15,000.00!

Now is your only chance to buy this amazing piece!

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!

Free shipping to worldwide by DHL overnight courier.