An exceptional ormolu and silvered-bronze mantle clock, France ca 1785.

Retailer: Martinet, London.

Case: The ormolu base has decorative bun feet, an acanthus leaf molding, and supports the movement on four decorative shaped posts.

Dial: The well lettered porcelain time dial has Roman numerals for the hours, steel Breguet-style hands for the time and a steel pointer for the alarm. The date dial has Arabic numbers and a steel indicator hand. Both are framed by a silvered dial plate engraved 'Martinet, London'.

Movement: The extremely well made eight-day movement has thick plates, turned pillars, finely cut and finished wheelwork, a date feature, a crownwheel escapement with silk-thread suspension and a spring driven alarm mechanism that strikes by clapper on a bell located in the base.

Notes: Hubert Martinet was a 'mercier horologer' who had a shop in London, but whose work was almost certainly fabricated in Paris.

Literature: For another example of his work with some similar features see: Derek Roberts, 'Continental and American Skeleton Clocks', page 21. Size: 25 cm / 10 inch high.

Origin and period

France

S14 Ormolu and silvered-bronze mantle clock

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