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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Crystal regulator clock

Marti et Cie. Movement Pendulum Clock

Partially verified

This antique French crystal regulator mantel clock features a brass case fitted with beveled glass panels and stands on four turned feet. The front door frame and circular dial bezel are bordered with faceted paste or crystal embellishments. Its white porcelain dial is decorated with floral swags and Arabic numerals, accompanied by two winding arbors. Below hangs a pendulum whose bob displays a miniature portrait of a lady in eighteenth-century attire, also ringed by faceted stones. The auction catalog notes that the movement is by Marti et Cie. and is marked 'Medaille D'Argent 1889' and 'Made in France'.

Front view of the brass crystal regulator clock with jewel-set bezel and portrait pendulum bob
Front view of the brass crystal regulator clock with jewel-set bezel and portrait pendulum bob — Akiba Galleries. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Crystal regulator clock
Maker / attribution
Marti et Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0137
Source-reported date
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 Construction and Exterior Ornamentation

The clock is housed in a brass crystal regulator case measuring 9 5/8 inches high by 6 5/8 inches wide. It features beveled glass side panels and doors, resting upon a molded base supported by four turned feet. Direct visual observation confirms that the front door frame and circular dial bezel are bordered by rows of faceted clear stones.

The catalog describes the bezel as a dore bronze jeweled border. Condition notes from the auctioneer record wear across the decorative components, noting "Some missing embellishment crystals."

Evidence for this section
  • “Features an overall brass case with beveled glass doors and side panels.”
  • “The case rests on four feet”
  • “Front door frame and dial bezel encrusted with rows of faceted clear stones”
  • “Some missing embellishment crystals.”

Dial and Pendulum Configuration

The circular dial is executed in white porcelain and displays Arabic hour numerals accented by floral garlands, along with two winding arbors. It is framed by a jeweled border described in the source as doré bronze.

Suspended within the glazed case, the pendulum bob features a circular hand-painted portrait depicting an elegant lady in eighteenth-century fashions. As seen in visual observations, this portrait medallion is also encircled by clear faceted stones.

Evidence for this section
  • “Centered by porcelain clock face with floral motif embellishment enveloped with dore bronze jeweled border.”
  • “Includes pendulum with a hand painted female portrait motif, depicting an elegant lady in eighteenth century fashions.”
  • “Pendulum bob set with a circular portrait of a woman encircled by stones”

Movement Markings and Source Limitations

The movement is attributed by the auction catalog to Marti et Cie. and is reported to be marked "Medaille D'Argent 1889" and "Made in France". These markings and the internal mechanism are stated by the source catalog and are not directly visible in the front photograph.

The auctioneer lists the mechanical condition as "Untested. With some rusting signs." The catalog gives the origin as France and dates the object to the 19th Century, which aligns with the reported 1889 exposition award mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “Antique Marti Et Cie. movement pendulum clock.”
  • “it is marked: "Medaille D'Argent 1889", and "Made in France".”
  • “Untested. With some rusting signs.”
  • “CIRCA: 19th Century”
  • “ORIGIN: France”

Open research questions

  • What specific stamped movement numbers, caliber designations, or complete maker's marks appear on the rear movement plate?
  • How extensive is the reported surface rust on the movement arbors, escapement, and steel components?
  • How many paste or crystal stones are currently detached or missing from the door frame, bezel, and pendulum rim?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marti et Cie. Movement Pendulum Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerMarti Et Cie.“Antique Marti Et Cie. movement pendulum clock.”
MarkingsMedaille D'Argent 1889, Made in France“it is marked: "Medaille D'Argent 1889", and "Made in France".”
OriginFrance“ORIGIN: France”
Circa19th Century“CIRCA: 19th Century”
DimensionsH: 9 5/8" W: 6 5/8"“DIMENSIONS: H: 9 5/8" W: 6 5/8"”
Pendulum MotifHand painted female portrait“Includes pendulum with a hand painted female portrait motif, depicting an elegant lady in eighteenth century fashions.”
Bezel BorderDoré bronze jeweled border“enveloped with dore bronze jeweled border.”
Mechanical ConditionUntested with signs of rust“Untested. With some rusting signs.”
Missing ElementsSome missing embellishment crystals“Some missing embellishment crystals.”

Visible details

  • Brass case with beveled glass sides and front door
  • Front door frame and dial bezel encrusted with rows of faceted clear stones
  • White porcelain dial with Arabic hour numerals, floral garlands, and two winding arbors
  • Pendulum bob set with a circular portrait of a woman encircled by stones
  • Molded brass base resting on four small turned feet

Research qualifications

  • Movement markings and Marti et Cie. attribution are stated by the source catalog and not directly visible in the image
  • Source notes untested mechanical condition, signs of rust, and missing embellishment crystals

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

Consulted source

Antique Marti Et Cie. Movement Pendulum Clock - Jun 27, 2024 | Akiba Galleries In Fl

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 16b12feceb

Terms in this record

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

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