Antique Bronze Mantel Clock. France, XIX Century

Stunning bronze mantel clock with white porcelain face in impressive condition. The clock comes from France and is dated in the late 19th century. The movement has been fully cleaned and fine-tuned to guarantee an optimal performance so it currently chimes the hours and the halves accurately. The box and the face boast an almost impeccable look and turn the clock into a really decorative piece, as well as an amazing antique. The box is rectangular in shape and stands on a base supported by four volute-shaped legs. In the center of the base there is a delicate mask that matches the rest of the design. The box itself is embellished with bronze volutes and garlands, and on both sides there are rings hanging from lions heads. Crowning the box we can see a remarkable vase-shaped detail, also made of bronze, adorned by three fine volutes. The face is made of white porcelain and bears black Arab numbers; the porcelain shows no hairlines or dents. The movement bears a circular mark with the manufacturers name, S. Marti & Cie, and the inscription Medaille DArgent 1889. Under the mark we can see the serial number 8123 55. It comes with its pendulum and key. This awesome ormolu mantel clock is a first-class antique, as beautiful as aristocratic. Measurements: Width: 10.2 in / 26 cm. Height: 18.8 in / 48 cm.History of S. Marti & Cie The clockmaker firm S. Marti & Cie was founded in 1832 by Samuel Marti and two business partners, Boilloux and Mozer, in Montbéliard. Though, in 1841 Samuel Marti became its sole owner. The factory was located in Montbéliard, but the sale offices were in Rue Vielle-du-Templo, Paris. The company obtained several medals and prices in different exhibitions: bronze medal in 1860, silver medal in 1889, gold medal in 1900 and the Grand Prize in the Paris Exhibition of 1931. In 1863 S. Marti joined Japy Freres and A. Roux to produce and sale their clocks together. In 1870 E.L. Japy became manager and shareholder of S. Marti & Cie, though in 1890 Samuel Augustus Marti (son of the founder) recovered the management control of the company.