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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Second Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This Second Empire period mantel clock, dated to approximately 1870, is constructed from gilt bronze and features a central spherical housing for the movement finished in midnight blue. The top of the clock is adorned with a sculptural group of two putti, positioned alongside a quiver of arrows and olive branches. The clock face is integrated into the sphere, displaying applied gilt bronze Roman numerals in a Gothic style, complemented by decorative snake-shaped hands. The assembly rests on a neoclassical base embellished with acanthus leaf motifs and beading, supported by compressed bun feet. The internal movement is an eight-day, two-train mechanism designed to strike hours and half-hours on a bronze bell. According to the source, the clock includes its winding key, and the movement is signed "S Marti & Cie, MEDAILLE DE BRONZE" on the back plate.

Front view of the Second Empire gilt bronze mantel clock, featuring two putti on a midnight blue sphere.
Front view of the Second Empire gilt bronze mantel clock, featuring two putti on a midnight blue sphere. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
S Marti & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
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

Design and Construction

The clock is designed in the Second Empire style, featuring a central spherical case with a midnight blue finish. This central component serves as the dial and houses the clock's movement. Decorative gilt bronze elements, including acanthus leaves, wrap around the sides of the sphere, leading up to a sculptural arrangement of two putti, a quiver, and olive branches.

The base upon which the sphere rests is designed in a neoclassical style. It incorporates structural bracket supports, detailed beading, and is finished with compressed bun feet. The combination of these architectural features and the sculptural top creates the clock's overall profile.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه از جنس برنز طلاکاری‌شده (Gilt Bronze) طراحی شده و بر فراز آن پیکره دو فرشته کودک (putti) قرار گرفته”
  • “محفظه موتور به شکل کره‌ای با رنگ‌آمیزی لاجوردی تیره (midnight blue) طراحی شده”

Movement and Dial

The movement is an eight-day, two-train mechanism, which indicates the clock provides both timekeeping and strike functions. It is designed to strike on a bronze bell on the hour and half-hour. The back plate of the movement is stamped with the maker's signature and the medal designation, indicating the manufacturer as S Marti & Cie.

The dial is integrated directly onto the face of the sphere. It features applied Gothic Roman numerals made of gilt bronze. The time is displayed via decorative, snake-shaped hands, which contribute to the clock's overall aesthetic.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای کوک ۸ روزه با دو قطار چرخ‌دنده (two-train movement) است”
  • “صفحه پشتی موتور دارای مهر و حکاکی رسمی «S Marti & Cie, MEDAILLE DE BRONZE» به همراه شماره سریال است.”

Condition and Maintenance

According to the auction description, the clock is in very good condition with minimal signs of wear to the gilding. There is no evidence of over-polishing. The spherical case for the movement is reported to be in appropriate condition, with only minor marks on the colored surface that are not significantly noticeable.

The source states that the movement has been fully serviced and overhauled, and is currently in good working order. A winding key is provided with the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور به طور کامل سرویس و اورهال شده و در وضعیت کارکرد مناسب قرار دارد”
  • “مجموعه‌داران محترم هنگام کارشناسی مستقل می‌توانند دقت زمان‌سنجی، ثبات لایه طلاکاری و هم‌خوانی شماره‌های حک‌شده روی بدنه و پاندول را مد نظر قرار دهند.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific serial number on the movement, and does it match the casing?
  • Are there any identifiable stamps or marks on the base of the clock indicating a casemaker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Second Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerS Marti & Cie“S Marti & Cie”
Movement TypeEight-day, two-train“موتور ساعت دارای کوک ۸ روزه با دو قطار چرخ‌دنده (two-train movement)”
Datecirca 1870“حدود ۱۸۷۰ میلادی”
Dimensions33 x 39 x 17.5 cm“ارتفاع ۳۳ سانتی‌متر (۱۳ اینچ)، عرض ۳۹ سانتی‌متر (۱۵.۲۵ اینچ) و عمق ۱۷.۵ سانتی‌متر (۷ اینچ)”
ConditionVery good, minor gilding wear“ساعت در شرایط بسیار خوب و عالی به سر می‌برد؛ فرسودگی طلاکاری بسیار اندک بوده”

Visible details

  • Applied Gothic-style Roman numerals
  • Snake-shaped hands
  • Gilt bronze sculptural putti figures
  • Midnight blue spherical clock case

Research qualifications

  • Historical attribution to the Second Empire is cited from the source
  • Claims regarding movement overhaul and maintenance are based on seller assertions

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

Consulted source

A Second Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ecf272051a

Terms in this record

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

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