Description
Late 19th Century French Lacquered Brass Mantel Clock by Samuel Marti with Matching Urn Garnitures
This exquisite French lacquered brass mantel clock, crafted by the renowned Samuel Marti of Paris in the late 19th century, is a true masterpiece of horology. With its stunning eight-day two-train gong striking movement, featuring an anchor escapement regulated by a disc bob pendulum and incorporating Brocot-type regulation to suspension, this timepiece is a marvel of precision and craftsmanship.
The backplate bears the signature of S. Marti, along with a roundel bearing the serial number 427 and additional numbers 4 and 8, a testament to its authenticity and rarity. The cream enamel Arabic numeral dial is set behind a hinged bevel-glazed cast bezel, featuring a pierced gilt rosette centre, vertical numerals, and steel hands, adding to the clock’s overall elegance.
The case is a work of art, with an eagle surmounting the domed caddy superstructure, cast with rosettes within foliate borders to each side. The sides are centred with female mask sunbursts, while the waisted leaf-cast moulded plinth base is applied with a lyre mount to the front over lion’s paw feet. This magnificent clock stands at an impressive 42cm high, accompanied by a pair of brass urn side pieces, each of square-section, shouldered form, cast with starburst panels over the mask of Hermes within pierced leafy scrollwork infill to each side. Each urn measures 29cm high.A small chip at 9o’clock i seen on the dial.
Size 7 x 7 x 17 inches high
The side garniture 5 x 5 x 11.5 inches
Weight 9.5 kg
While this clock is undoubtedly a rare and valuable find, it’s not just its monetary worth that makes it special – it’s the story it tells, the craftsmanship that went into its creation, and the sense of history it embodies. For anyone who appreciates fine horology, this clock is a true treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.
It comes with a replacement key, and the clock needs a service.
Clocks, Mantle clocks, music boxes, etc, may require service after transportation and are sold as decorative items. Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used; therefore, they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks, wear and tear, unknown manufacturers and/or patterns. Please see the photographs as they form part of the description. Overseas buyers in some countries may be required to pay any import duties, taxes, or fees. All items are meticulously wrapped and prepared for both UK and international shipping.
Buyers outside the UK may be required to pay import duties, taxes, or fees depending on their country’s regulations.
Antiques & art objects: These are often duty-free. In the U.S., for example, if Customs classifies an item as an antique (over 100 years old), it is generally exempt from import duty.
Decorative metal objects: If not considered an antique, Customs may apply a small duty of about 3–6% of the declared value, plus a modest processing fee (usually under $10).
Sales tax: U.S. state sales taxes, where applicable, are collected automatically at checkout by Ruby Lane, in full compliance with U.S. law.
Responsibility: Any customs duties or fees charged upon delivery remain the responsibility of the buyer. If unsure, we recommend checking with your local customs office (or even a quick Google/AI search) for guidance, where all the information is available.
All items are carefully and securely wrapped for both UK and international shipping to ensure they arrive safely.
