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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Antique French Boulle Bracket Clock

Partially verified

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.

Front view of the French Boulle bracket clock showing the ornate case, cartouche dial, and figural mounts
Front view of the French Boulle bracket clock showing the ornate case, cartouche dial, and figural mounts — Chairish / Parc Villefranche. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
In the style of Balthazar Martinot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3140050
Source-reported date
Early 19th Century
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Boulle marquetry case features foliate brass inlay set into dark tortoiseshell or composite veneer with scrolled gilt bronze corner mounts and feet.”
  • “The case has both a front and rear door, along with side panels of glass, and gilt bronze ornamentation throughout.”
  • “Surmounted by a classical gilt bronze figure resting upon an eagle finial above 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “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.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “We do not believe that the clock is by Balthazar Martinot, as he was an early 18th century clockmaker. However, this clock was most likely produced by one of his successors in the same style and form of Martinot, using his name plate as a form of homage.”
  • “The front glass has been replaced sometime within its lifespan”

Open research questions

  • What specific construction or movement markers confirm the 19th-century production estimate?
  • Are there any visible hallmarks or stamps on the gilt bronze mounts that might suggest a specific workshop or regional origin?
  • Is the mechanical movement contemporary to the 19th-century case, or was an earlier movement integrated into the housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French Boulle Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions16.5ʺW × 6.5ʺD × 32ʺH“16.5ʺW × 6.5ʺD × 32ʺH”
Reported PeriodEarly 19th Century“This clock dates to the early 19th century and bears the name of Balthazar Martinot of Paris.”
Maker Attribution NoteHomage to Balthazar Martinot“We do not believe that the clock is by Balthazar Martinot, as he was an early 18th century clockmaker. However, this clock was most likely produced by one of his successors in the same style and form of Martinot, using his name plate as a form of homage.”
Case FeaturesDoors and side panels“The case has both a front and rear door, along with side panels of glass, and gilt bronze ornamentation throughout.”
Condition NoteFront glass replaced“The front glass has been replaced sometime within its lifespan”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • 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.
  • The seller reports the front glass has been replaced during its lifespan.
  • Internal movement and rear case views are not visible in the primary photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Antique French Boulle Bracket Clock | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 2bdb21f18e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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