Steeped in the history of Gilded Age Memphis, this exceptional Raingo Frères three-piece garniture set was once the decorative crown jewel of the historic Lowenstein Mansion. Accompanying this set is an ironclad trace of its history: the original flannel jeweler's storage bag from the legendary Southern jewelers Perel & Lowenstein, alongside original private collection photographs dating to 1984. To own this set is to possess a documented artifact of late-19th-century American high-society living.
This monumental Napoleon III period centerpiece (circa 1870–1880) consists of a matched mantel clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabras.
The Sculpture: At the center of the clock rests a masterful, fluid gilt and patinated bronze sculptural scene depicting playful classical nymphs and a satyr, sculpted after the legendary Claude Michel (better known as Clodion).
The Base: The sculpture is beautifully anchored to a stepped architectural white onyx base, accented by intricate, hand-chased ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts.
The Dial: Features a pristine, hand-painted white enamel porcelain dial signed by the makers, set with delicate pierced brass hands and black Roman numerals.
The Candelabras: Flank the clock with matching grandeur, featuring elegant urn-form white onyx bodies enveloped by sweeping, naturalistic bronze acanthus leaves that blossom into six candle holders.
To ensure its mechanical longevity and aesthetic preservation, the entire suite has undergone an exhaustive, museum-grade restoration by the renowned Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina:
The Movement: The original French Raingo movement has been completely dismantled, cleaned, re-oiled, and meticulously calibrated. It is in excellent, responsive working order, keeping exceptional time.
The Materials: The gilt bronze ormolu has been carefully hand-cleaned to lift decades of dust while rigorously preserving the structural antique gold patina. The white onyx has been professionally stabilized, polished, and sealed.
Included Accompaniments: Your purchase includes the original Swiss winding key, the historical Perel & Lowenstein flannel roll, the 1984 provenance photographs, and one uncleaned original finial (held in reserve to document the before-and-after state of the conservation).
Maker: Raingo Frères (Paris, France)
Period: Napoleon III (c. 1870–1880)
Materials: Gilt and patinated bronze (ormolu), white onyx, enamel porcelain dial
Set Composition: 1 clock, 2 flanking six-light candelabras
Provenance: Formerly of the Lowenstein Mansion (Memphis, TN) / Accompanied by Perel & Lowenstein archival ephemera
Conservation: Completed by Mumford’s Restoration (Raleigh, NC)
Condition: Restored, pristine antique condition. All mechanical functions and strikes are fully operational.
Due to the exceptional scale, weight, and extreme fragility of the three onyx-and-bronze components, this garniture suite is prepared for transport in a series of custom, shock-absorbing gallery crates. Fully insured domestic white-glove freight shipping is arranged post-acquisition from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
Steeped in the history of Gilded Age Memphis, this exceptional Raingo Frères three-piece garniture set was once the decorative crown jewel of the historic Lowenstein Mansion. Accompanying this set is an ironclad trace of its history: the original flannel jeweler's storage bag from the legendary Southern jewelers Perel & Lowenstein, alongside original private collection photographs dating to 1984. To own this set is to possess a documented artifact of late-19th-century American high-society living.
This monumental Napoleon III period centerpiece (circa 1870–1880) consists of a matched mantel clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabras.
The Sculpture: At the center of the clock rests a masterful, fluid gilt and patinated bronze sculptural scene depicting playful classical nymphs and a satyr, sculpted after the legendary Claude Michel (better known as Clodion).
The Base: The sculpture is beautifully anchored to a stepped architectural white onyx base, accented by intricate, hand-chased ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts.
The Dial: Features a pristine, hand-painted white enamel porcelain dial signed by the makers, set with delicate pierced brass hands and black Roman numerals.
The Candelabras: Flank the clock with matching grandeur, featuring elegant urn-form white onyx bodies enveloped by sweeping, naturalistic bronze acanthus leaves that blossom into six candle holders.
To ensure its mechanical longevity and aesthetic preservation, the entire suite has undergone an exhaustive, museum-grade restoration by the renowned Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina:
The Movement: The original French Raingo movement has been completely dismantled, cleaned, re-oiled, and meticulously calibrated. It is in excellent, responsive working order, keeping exceptional time.
The Materials: The gilt bronze ormolu has been carefully hand-cleaned to lift decades of dust while rigorously preserving the structural antique gold patina. The white onyx has been professionally stabilized, polished, and sealed.
Included Accompaniments: Your purchase includes the original Swiss winding key, the historical Perel & Lowenstein flannel roll, the 1984 provenance photographs, and one uncleaned original finial (held in reserve to document the before-and-after state of the conservation).
Maker: Raingo Frères (Paris, France)
Period: Napoleon III (c. 1870–1880)
Materials: Gilt and patinated bronze (ormolu), white onyx, enamel porcelain dial
Set Composition: 1 clock, 2 flanking six-light candelabras
Provenance: Formerly of the Lowenstein Mansion (Memphis, TN) / Accompanied by Perel & Lowenstein archival ephemera
Conservation: Completed by Mumford’s Restoration (Raleigh, NC)
Condition: Restored, pristine antique condition. All mechanical functions and strikes are fully operational.
Due to the exceptional scale, weight, and extreme fragility of the three onyx-and-bronze components, this garniture suite is prepared for transport in a series of custom, shock-absorbing gallery crates. Fully insured domestic white-glove freight shipping is arranged post-acquisition from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
