Second Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This Second Empire period mantel clock, dated to approximately 1870, is constructed from gilt bronze and features a central spherical housing for the movement finished in midnight blue.
The top of the clock is adorned with a sculptural group of two putti, positioned alongside a quiver of arrows and olive branches. The clock face is integrated into the sphere, displaying applied gilt bronze Roman numerals in a Gothic style, complemented by decorative snake-shaped hands. The assembly rests on a neoclassical base embellished with acanthus leaf motifs and beading, supported by compressed bun feet. The internal movement is an eight-day, two-train mechanism designed to strike hours and half-hours on a bronze bell.
According to the source, the clock includes its winding key, and the movement is signed "S Marti & Cie, MEDAILLE DE BRONZE" on the back plate.
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
- Date
- circa 1870
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- S Marti & Cie
- Condition
- Very good, minor gilding wear
- Dimensions
- 33 x 39 x 17.5 cm
- Movement Type
- Eight-day, two-train
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- S Marti & Cie
Design
- Visible features
- • Applied Gothic-style Roman numerals • Snake-shaped hands • Gilt bronze sculptural putti figures • Midnight blue spherical clock case
- Movement and Dial
- The movement is an eight-day, two-train mechanism, which indicates the clock provides both timekeeping and strike functions. It is designed to strike on a bronze bell on the hour and half-hour. The back plate of the movement is stamped with the maker's signature and the medal designation, indicating the manufacturer as S Marti & Cie. The dial is integrated directly onto the face of the sphere. It features applied Gothic Roman numerals made of gilt bronze. The time is displayed via decorative, snake-shaped hands, which contribute to the clock's overall aesthetic.
- Design and Construction
- The clock is designed in the Second Empire style, featuring a central spherical case with a midnight blue finish. This central component serves as the dial and houses the clock's movement. Decorative gilt bronze elements, including acanthus leaves, wrap around the sides of the sphere, leading up to a sculptural arrangement of two putti, a quiver, and olive branches. The base upon which the sphere rests is designed in a neoclassical style. It incorporates structural bracket supports, detailed beading, and is finished with compressed bun feet. The combination of these architectural features and the sculptural top creates the clock's overall profile.
- Condition and Maintenance
- According to the auction description, the clock is in very good condition with minimal signs of wear to the gilding. There is no evidence of over-polishing. The spherical case for the movement is reported to be in appropriate condition, with only minor marks on the colored surface that are not significantly noticeable. The source states that the movement has been fully serviced and overhauled, and is currently in good working order. A winding key is provided with the clock.
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: Historical attribution to the Second Empire is cited from the source
- Research required: Claims regarding movement overhaul and maintenance are based on seller assertions