French Rosewood Mantel Clock By Raingo Freres Paris Circa 1820

A fine French rosewood cased mantel clock by Raingo Freres, Paris.

 

The swept bombe shaped case elaborately decorated with brass highlights and inlay with figures to the top corners and masked scrolled feet, surmounted by a seated figure of a Chinese gentleman carrying a parasol.

 

The brass dial with Roman numerals and signed below 'Raingo Freres Paris'. The brass eight day movement, singed 'Raingo Freres a Paris', striking the hours and half hours on a bell.

 

Raingo Freres - Company founded by clockmaker Zacharie Joseph Raingo (1775 – 1847). He specialised in astronomical clocks. He had four sons, Adolphe, Charles, Denis and Dorsant who formed Raingo Frères in 1823.

 

The firm initially specialised in producing Empire and Restauration style clocks. By the mid-19th Century, Raingo Frères had expanded their output into bronzes and furnishings.

 

The firm supplied clocks and bronzes to Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie. Raingo Frères became internationally recognised and, as their reputation grew, they collaborated with other famed makers.

 

The firm exhibited at the most important Exhibitions in the second half of the 19th century and won a gold award at the 1889 Exposition in Paris.