19th Century French Gesso Mantel Clock

Inventory Number: C1902008

Made circa 19th century, signed Samuel Marti et Cie on the movement, gesso case with two movements, one for the functions of hours, minutes and hour-striking; the other for the functions of date, day and month and the Moonphase indicator. Visible escapement on the dial, white ceramic dial with Roman numerals.

(Under Restoration)

About Samuel Marti et Cie.

A renowned clockmaker in Paris in the second half of the 1800s, Samuel Marti established his business in 1841 in Montbéliard, in Doubs, a department in northeast France that was the birthplace of many of the most prestigious clockmakers.

Marti exhibited his clocks regularly at expositions in Paris, where he won a Mention of Honour in 1839, a Bronze Medal in 1860, a Silver Medal in 1889, and several Gold Medals (1841, 1851, 1852, 1900).

A reproduction of the Bronze Medal from 1860 was added to the company’s creations from 1867 to 1900. During the 1860s he collaborated with another two celebrated French clockmakers: Roux and Japy Frères. Along with Japy Freres and Roux, they set up a business in 1863 to market their clock movements to such firms as L'Epee. Their Paris address was Rue Vieille-du-Temple from 1870.