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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendulum clock

Large Grand Pendulum Clock with Boulle Marquetry

Partially verified

This grand pendulum clock is attributed to the French firm Samuel Marti et Cie, which was established in 1832, and is signed for Balthazar Paris. The clock features a mechanical 8-day movement with a half-hour striking mechanism on a bell. The back plate bears the mark 'Medaille d'Bronze S. Marti et Cie.' The case is constructed in a tall, laterally straight style, sitting on an associated curved base. It is topped with a semi-circular segmental arch and an upward-tapering attachment base supporting a gilded bronze figure of a trombone-blowing Nike. The exterior is decorated with boulle marquetry featuring a spotted tortoiseshell ground with brass inlays. Additional ornamentation includes finely chiselled profiles and corner appliqués shaped like female herms. The three-piece dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes an inscribed 'Balthazar Paris' signature beneath a female mascaron above the dial. A single clock key is included.

Front view of the clock featuring the Boulle marquetry case, the Nike figure finial, and the signature plaque.
Front view of the clock featuring the Boulle marquetry case, the Nike figure finial, and the signature plaque. — Wettmann (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Pendulum clock
Maker / attribution
Samuel Marti et Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
355
Source-reported date
Not established
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 Construction and Decoration

The clock case exhibits a tall, straight-sided architectural design finished in the boulle marquetry technique. The primary visual elements include a spotted tortoiseshell ground contrasted by intricate brass inlays across the main body and edges of the associated base. The structure is capped by a semi-circular segmental arch, surmounted by a tapered pedestal.

The crowning ornamental element is a gilded bronze figure representing Nike, depicted blowing a trombone. The exterior aesthetic is enhanced by finely chiselled profiles and ornamental corner appliqués modeled as female herms. A female mascaron is positioned prominently above the dial as a central decorative feature of the front facade.

The clock sits upon an associated curved base that serves as a foundation for the main case body. This base maintains a consistent decorative theme with the clock case itself, incorporating similar brass edge inlays to create a unified appearance. The dimensions of the unit include a main case height of 74 cm, complemented by a 24 cm high base section.

Evidence for this section
  • “hoher, seitlich gerader Aufbau auf zugehörigem geschweiftem Sockel”
  • “bekrönt mit einem sich nach oben verjüngenden Aufsatzsockel, darüber vergoldete Bronzefigur einer posauneblasenden Nike”
  • “Marketerie in Boulletechnik und Verwendung von geflecktem Schildpattgrund mit Messingeinlagen”
  • “mit fein ziselierten Profilen und Eckapplikationen in Form von weiblichen Hermen”

Movement and Dial Details

The clock is powered by a mechanical movement designed for an 8-day duration. It includes a striking mechanism that sounds on the hour and half-hour via an internal bell. The internal technical components are confirmed by the manufacturer's markings on the back plate, identifying it as a product of S. Marti et Cie and noting a bronze medal award.

The dial is designed as a three-piece unit, featuring classic black Roman numerals to denote the hours. Smaller, engraved Arabic numerals are used to indicate the minutes around the perimeter. The signature 'Balthazar Paris' is displayed on a distinct plaque fixed to the lower portion of the dial, directly beneath a decorative female mascaron.

Evidence for this section
  • “mechanisches 8-Tagewerk mit Halbstundenschlag auf Glocke”
  • “Rückplatine bezeichnet Medaille d'Bronze S. Marti et Cie.”
  • “Treize pièces-Zifferblatt mit schwarzen römischen Ziffern für die Stunden und arabischen eingravierten Minutenziffern”
  • “bezeichnet Balthazar Paris”

Reported Condition

The auction house has noted that the object shows general traces of age and use, which is consistent with items of this construction. In terms of structural integrity, a specific defect has been identified regarding the base of the clock.

According to the provided description, one of the feet on the base is loose. The auction listing includes the necessary clock key required for winding and maintenance of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gebrauchs- und Altersspuren”
  • “ein Fuß lose”
  • “1 Uhrenschlüssel anbei”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the relationship between the clockmaker/retailer Balthazar Paris and the manufacturer Samuel Marti et Cie?
  • Can the association between the clock case and the identified base be verified as original to the manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Large Grand Pendulum Clock with Boulle Marquetry
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSamuel Marti et Cie“Samuel Marti et Cie, gegr. 1832 für Balthazar Paris”
Movement8-day mechanical movement with half-hour strike“mechanisches 8-Tagewerk mit Halbstundenschlag auf Glocke”
Back plate markingsMedaille d'Bronze S. Marti et Cie.“Rückplatine bezeichnet Medaille d'Bronze S. Marti et Cie.”
Case dimensionsHeight 74 cm without base, 24 cm base height“Höhe ohne Sockel 74 cm, Sockel Höhe 24 cm”
DialThree-piece dial with Roman hours and Arabic minutes“Treize pièces-Zifferblatt mit schwarzen römischen Ziffern für die Stunden und arabischen eingravierten Minutenziffern”
Decorative techniqueBoulle marquetry with tortoiseshell and brass“Marketerie in Boulletechnik und Verwendung von geflecktem Schildpattgrund mit Messingeinlagen”
Included accessoriesOne clock key“1 Uhrenschlüssel anbei”

Visible details

  • Case features brass-inlaid Boulle marquetry
  • Gilded bronze figure of Nike holding a trombone at the top
  • Dial includes individual plaque signed Balthazar Paris
  • Case decorated with female herm corner appliqués

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes traces of use and age, with one foot described as loose
  • The provenance and specific historical timeline of Balthazar Paris's association with S. Marti et Cie are not detailed beyond the provided text

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

Consulted source

Große Prunkpendule mit Boulle-Marketerie

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 990d0f4c04

Terms in this record

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

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