An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock. The eight-day two train bell striking movement, with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement and stamped with S. Marti et Cie MEDAILLE D'ARGENT. 1889 roundel and serial number 647 to backplate.

The dial formed as a deep blue and gold flecked enamel dome applied with gilt Roman numerals and stars set within billowing clouds interspersed with sunburst rays. Applied with three patinated bronze cherubs in flight, around the dial attending to a floral garland.

Amongst the clouds can be found a pair of doves, a horn and arrows, a quiver and bow. This coupled with the cherubs and flower garland would suggest this clock was made as a love token or wedding present. The symbolism of love, marriage and fertility, the cherubs representing the three Greek Erotes, make this an extremely romantic clock.

The extremely fine ormolu (gilded bronze) case in remarkable original condition, has a satin and burnished finish highlighting the cloud forms. Other details such as the love birds and arrow quiver are chased and polished, contrasting with the beautifully sculpted cherubs dark bronze patination. The original gilding has survived in extremely good condition, having thankfully not been cleaned with anything abrasive in the past, we have gently cleaned it to allow it to shine as it was intended.

A renowned Parisian clockmaker in the second half of the 1800s, Samuel Marti established his business in 1841 in Montbéliard, in Doubs, a department in northeast France that was the birthplace of many of the most prestigious clockmakers.

Marti exhibited his clocks regularly at expositions in Paris, where he won a Mention of Honour in 1839, a Bronze Medal in 1860, a Silver Medal in 1889, and several Gold Medals (1841, 1851, 1852, 1900). A reproduction of the Bronze Medal from 1860 was added to the company’s creations from 1867 to 1900. During the 1860s he collaborated with another two celebrated French clockmakers: Roux and Japy Frères.

72cm H x 40cm W x 12cm D