Antique French Boulle Bracket Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 19th Century
This large French bracket clock stands approximately 32 inches tall in an ornate Boulle marquetry case constructed with wood, shell, and gilt bronze mounts. Styled in the Louis XV Rococo manner, the arched case is surmounted by a gilt bronze figural finial.
The dial consists of individual white enamel plaques with Roman numerals surrounding an engraved gilt center with two winding apertures. Below the dial, gilt bronze sculpted relief figures appear behind the glazed door above a maker plaque inscribed with Balthazar Martinot. The seller dates the clock to the early 19th century as a later homage to the early 18th-century maker, noting that the front glass has been replaced.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Dimensions
- 16.5ʺW × 6.5ʺD × 32ʺH
- Case Features
- Doors and side panels
- Condition Note
- Front glass replaced
- Place recorded
- France
- Reported Period
- Early 19th Century
- Maker / attribution
- In the style of Balthazar Martinot
- Maker Attribution Note
- Homage to Balthazar Martinot
Design
- Visible features
- • Surmounted by a classical gilt bronze figure resting upon an eagle finial above a balustraded pedestal. • Dial features twelve individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals set around an engraved gilt center with two winding apertures. • Gilt bronze figural reliefs depicting classical figures and putti embellish the space below the dial behind the glazed door. • Boulle marquetry case features foliate brass inlay set into dark tortoiseshell or composite veneer with scrolled gilt bronze corner mounts and feet.
- Case and Marquetry
- The clock case is constructed in the Boulle marquetry style, featuring foliate brass inlay set into a dark tortoiseshell or composite veneer. The structure is accented with scrolled gilt bronze corner mounts and feet. The case includes front and rear doors, as well as side glass panels. It is surmounted by a classical gilt bronze figure positioned above an eagle finial and a balustraded pedestal.
- Dial and Ornamentation
- The dial consists of twelve individual white enamel cartouches featuring black Roman numerals. These are arranged around an engraved gilt center containing two winding apertures. Gilt bronze figural reliefs, including depictions of putti and classical subjects, are located below the dial, visible behind the glazed front door.
- Attribution and Maintenance
- The clock bears a maker plaque inscribed with the name Balthazar Martinot. The seller states that this is an homage rather than an authentic work by the 18th-century clockmaker, attributing the piece to the 19th century. Historical maintenance includes the replacement of the front glass pane, which the seller reports occurred during the item's lifespan.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The plaque cites Balthazar Martinot of Paris, but the seller notes this is an early 19th-century homage rather than an authentic early 18th-century piece by him.
- Research required: The seller reports the front glass has been replaced during its lifespan.
- Research required: Internal movement and rear case views are not visible in the primary photograph.