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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendulum clock

Figural Pendulum Clock

Partially verified

This figural pendulum clock, manufactured by Samuel Marti & Cie. circa 1900, is constructed from marble, brass, and brown-patinated cast metal. The clock stands on a four-legged base, featuring a round plinth decorated with a series of surrounding cupid scenes. It is surmounted by a sculptural group entitled "The Song of Venus," which is attributed to Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905) and bears his signature on the side. The front of the clock incorporates a glazed dial featuring Arabic numerals. The movement is a pendulum-driven type capable of a half-hour strike on a bell. The clock plate is marked by the manufacturer. The total height of the object is approximately 78 centimeters. The auction description reports that the object exhibits signs of age and wear, specifically noting a chipped cover plate, and confirms that while the clock functions in a short test, its overall accuracy remains untested.

Full view of the figural pendulum clock showing the 'Song of Venus' bronze sculpture atop the marble and brass housing.
Full view of the figural pendulum clock showing the 'Song of Venus' bronze sculpture atop the marble and brass housing. — Auktionshaus HanseArt (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Pendulum clock
Maker / attribution
Samuel Marti & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1060
Source-reported date
c. 1900
Source-reported place
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 Design

The clock is built using a combination of marble, brass, and brown-patinated cast metal. It rests upon a base supported by four legs. A round plinth serves as the foundation for the primary sculptural element and is decorated with scenes of cupids in relief.

The top of the clock features a sculptural group titled "The Song of Venus." This work is identified as being created after the sculptor Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905) and is signed on the side. The overall height of the clock is approximately 78 centimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “marble/brass/cast metal, brown patinated, on a 4-foot base, round plinth with surrounding cupid scenes”
  • “crowned by a group of figures "The Song of Venus" after Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905)”
  • “H approx. 78cm”

Dial and Movement

A glazed dial is positioned in the front of the unit, displaying Arabic numerals. The timekeeping mechanism is a pendulum-type winding system designed for domestic use.

The movement is equipped with a strike function that rings once every half-hour on an internal bell. The internal plate is marked by the manufacturer, Samuel Marti & Cie. The auction house reports that the clock functions during a short test, though its long-term accuracy has not been verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “below a glazed dial with Arabic numerals, pendulum winding mechanism, 1/2 hour strike on bell”
  • “plate marked”
  • “works in a short test, accuracy not tested”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description notes general signs of age and wear commensurate with the age of the piece. Specific defects include a chipped cover plate.

Attributions for the sculpture are given as being after Alexandre-Victor Lequien, and the timepiece is attributed to the French maker Samuel Marti & Cie. from approximately 1900.

Evidence for this section
  • “signs of age and wear, cover plate chipped”
  • “Samuel Marti & Cie., France, c. 1900”
  • “crowned by a group of figures "The Song of Venus" after Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905)”

Open research questions

  • What is the relationship between the retailer 'Herm. Sievert Plön' and the manufacturer Samuel Marti & Cie.?
  • Is the 'Herm. Sievert' signature original to the dial or a later addition by a retailer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Figural Pendulum Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSamuel Marti & Cie.“Samuel Marti & Cie.”
Datec. 1900“c. 1900”
Materialsmarble/brass/cast metal“marble/brass/cast metal”
Sculpture Subject"The Song of Venus"“The Song of Venus”
SculptorAlexandre-Victor Lequien“after Alexandre-Victor Lequien (1822-1905)”
MovementPendulum winding mechanism, 1/2 hour strike on bell“pendulum winding mechanism, 1/2 hour strike on bell”
Height78 cm“H approx. 78cm”
ConditionSigns of age and wear, cover plate chipped“signs of age and wear, cover plate chipped”

Visible details

  • The sculptural group features a central female figure surrounded by cherubs
  • The base is supported by four ornate feet

Research qualifications

  • The authorship of the sculpture is 'after' Alexandre-Victor Lequien
  • The actual movement accuracy is unverified

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

Consulted source

Figural pendulum clock, Samuel Marti & Cie., France, c. 1900

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 28934cefee

Terms in this record

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

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