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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cartel clock

Cartel clock in gilded bronze and marquetry

Partially verified

This cartel clock features a wood-veneered case decorated with floral marquetry inlays and cast gilded bronze mounts. The waisting case terminates at the top with a foliate bronze finial and rests upon four ornate scrolling feet. Its dial displays twelve individual white enamel cartouches bearing Roman numerals for the hours, situated around an openwork gilt metal centre. The auction house reports that the clock contains a German pendulum movement with a striking train, accompanied by a winding key, standing approximately 47 cm in height.

Front view of the marquetry and gilt bronze cartel clock
Front view of the marquetry and gilt bronze cartel clock — Monsantic.com. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Cartel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Germany

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 Architecture and Decorative Mounts

The lot is catalogued as a wood marquetry cartel clock adorned with gilded bronze mounts, measuring 47 cm in height ('cartel marqueterie de bois bronze doré.', 'H:47cm').

Visual observation indicates floral marquetry inlay decoration on the upper and lower case facade, framed by elaborate rococo-style gilded bronze mounts including a finial, corner scrollwork, and feet, with a pierced lower pendulum viewing aperture surrounded by cast bronze ornament.

Evidence for this section
  • “cartel marqueterie de bois bronze doré.”
  • “H:47cm”
  • “Floral marquetry inlay decoration on the upper and lower case facade”
  • “Elaborate rococo-style gilded bronze mounts including a finial, corner scrollwork, and feet”
  • “Pierced lower pendulum viewing aperture surrounded by cast bronze ornament”

Dial Composition and Display

The dial features individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals set around the circumference.

The clock is supplied with a winding key, as noted in the cataloguing ('a/ clef').

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial featuring individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals”
  • “a/ clef”

Reported Movement and Operating Mechanism

The auction house catalogues the clock as containing a German pendulum ringing movement accompanied by a key ('mouvement Germany balancier sonnerie a/ clef').

The operational state is seller-reported as functional ('(En état)' and '(in working order)'). The source does not record internal maker marks, movement plates, or independent mechanical evaluations.

Evidence for this section
  • “mouvement Germany balancier sonnerie a/ clef (En état)”
  • “w/ ringing Germany movement with key (in working order)”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement backplate bear stamped manufacturer trademarks, calibre numbers, or serial numbers identifying the specific German maker?
  • Is the German pendulum movement original to the marquetry case or a later installation?
  • What specific woods were utilized in the case veneer and floral marquetry inlays?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartel clock in gilded bronze and marquetry
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Height47 cm“H:47cm”
Movement OriginGermany“mouvement Germany”
Case MaterialsWood marquetry and gilded bronze“cartel marqueterie de bois bronze doré.”
Mechanism FeaturesPendulum with ringing mechanism“balancier sonnerie”
AccessoriesKey included“a/ clef”
Reported Operating ConditionIn working order (source-reported)“(En état)”

Visible details

  • Floral marquetry inlay decoration on the upper and lower case facade
  • Dial featuring individual white enamel cartouches with black Roman numerals
  • Elaborate rococo-style gilded bronze mounts including a finial, corner scrollwork, and feet
  • Pierced lower pendulum viewing aperture surrounded by cast bronze ornament

Research qualifications

  • No photographs show the movement, interior, or maker marks
  • Operational status ('in working order') is source-reported without independent verification

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Watchmaking: cartel in gilded bronze and marquetry w/ ringing Germany movement with key (in working order)

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b4e3e511b7

Terms in this record

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

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