Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Samuel Marti et Cie Inlaid Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This French mantel clock features a black slate Neoclassical case measuring 13 inches high by 15 inches wide, catalogued to the late 19th century. The case is constructed with an arched pediment, scrolled flankings, incised gilt patterns, and green malachite-like inlaid stone accents. The circular dial features black Roman numerals on a white chapter ring, two winding apertures, an open escapement center, and a gilt bezel. According to the auction listing, the interior movement is marked 'Médaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.' and is visible through a rear hinged glass door.

Front view of Samuel Marti et Cie black slate and inlaid mantel clock
Front view of Samuel Marti et Cie black slate and inlaid mantel clock — Akiba Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Samuel Marti et Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
62
Source-reported date
Late 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 Architecture and Decorative Inlay

The clock is encased in black slate described in the auction catalog as Neoclassical in style, measuring 13 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and 6.75 inches in depth. Its architectural profile incorporates an arched upper pediment alongside scrolled designs flanking the face of the case.

The front surface features incised scrollwork paired with green ornamental stone inlays described by the cataloguer as 'malachite-like'. Visible observations note stepped projections and decorative panels set into the plinth and face, though the specific mineralogical composition is not verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Features a black slate Neoclassical style case. Designed with the arched pediment to the top, the clock features malachite-like inlay along the front and scrolled designs flanking the clock face.”
  • “DIMENSIONS: H. 13" x W. 15" x D. 6.75"”
  • “Stepped black slate architectural case with an arched pediment and scrolled side projections.”

Dial and Escapement Configuration

The circular dial is positioned behind a front hinged glass door and is bordered along the perimeter by a Greek key pattern. It displays black Roman numerals on a white chapter ring, centered on an exposed gear and visible Brocot-style escapement.

Two winding arbors are set within the lower dial field below the center arbor. A rear hinged glass door on the back of the case provides direct visual access to the movement's interior components.

Evidence for this section
  • “A glass door that hinges open is located in front of the clock face. The clock face features Roman numerals and an exposed clock gear to the center. A delicate Greek key border surrounds the clock face along the edge.”
  • “The back of the clock has a glass hinged door that provides a view of the clock’s interior workings.”
  • “White chapter ring with black Roman numerals and an exposed Brocot-style escapement visible at the center.”
  • “Two winding arbors situated below the dial center.”

Attribution and Source Limitations

The auction catalog dates the clock to the late 19th century with French origin, reporting an internal stamp reading 'Médaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.' Because only a front view is visually documented, this backplate stamping cannot be independently confirmed from the catalog imagery.

No details regarding mechanical running order, strike train configuration, pendulum retention, or winding keys are recorded in the auction listing, and the seller explicitly designates condition statements as subjective opinion rather than established fact.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: Late 19th Century ORIGIN: France”
  • “Marked: “Médaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.””
  • “CONDITION: Good condition. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS (305) 333-4134. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact.”

Open research questions

  • What specific stamped markings, dates, or serial numbers appear on the movement backplate through the rear glass door?
  • What is the mineralogical identity of the green 'malachite-like' inlay panels?
  • Is the movement strike train running and striking on a bell or gong, and are the original pendulum and key preserved?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Samuel Marti et Cie Inlaid Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialBlack slate with malachite-like inlay“Features a black slate Neoclassical style case. Designed with the arched pediment to the top, the clock features malachite-like inlay along the front”
Movement markingMédaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.“Marked: “Médaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.””
DimensionsH. 13" x W. 15" x D. 6.75"“DIMENSIONS: H. 13" x W. 15" x D. 6.75"”
Origin and PeriodFrance, Late 19th Century“CIRCA: Late 19th Century ORIGIN: France”
Case doorsFront and rear hinged glass doors“A glass door that hinges open is located in front of the clock face.”
Dial border patternGreek key border“A delicate Greek key border surrounds the clock face along the edge.”

Visible details

  • Stepped black slate architectural case with an arched pediment and scrolled side projections.
  • Green malachite-patterned stone inlays set into geometric panels and incised decorative scrollwork on the plinth and case face.
  • White chapter ring with black Roman numerals and an exposed Brocot-style escapement visible at the center.
  • Two winding arbors situated below the dial center.

Research qualifications

  • The movement marking 'Médaille de Bronze S. Marti et Cie.' is reported by the auctioneer and not directly visible in the catalog image.
  • Inlay composition is described as 'malachite-like' by the source and is not mineralogically verified.

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

Consulted source

Samuel Marti et Cie Inlaid Mantel Clock sold at auction on 22nd October | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8273f29128

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records