Magnificent French Four Glass crystal regulator c1875. The clock is in a rectangular brass case with sculptured architectural plinth and cornice mouldings. Bevelled glass panels to sides and also to top - an uncommon feature. It has a stepped, white enamelled dial with black roman numerals and blued steel moon hands. Dial signed Hry Marc Paris. Exposed or visible deadbeat Brocot escapement with ruby pallets. Gilt brass winding bezels. An 8-day movement striking the hours and single strike to the half hour on a bell. Working Brocot adjustable twin-flask mercury compensated pendulum. Backplate stamped with maker's name (S Marti et Cie) within a 'Medaille de Bronze' (awarded 1860). Supplied with keys.  External dimensions are 30 cm height, 17 cm width and 13.5 cm in depth. A very desirable example. Watch a brief video of it striking (above). Fully cleaned and serviced but retaining its antique brass patina. The clock's movement is covered by our 12 month warranty in the UK.
 
Henry Marc was a clockmaker and retailer known to be working in Paris from the early part of the 19th century. Marc often incorporated other maker's movements into cases made by themselves. Samuel Marti (born 1811 Langenthal, Bern) moved to Montbéliard, France in 1830. Along with two business partners, he founded S. Marti & Cie in 1832 – becoming sole owner in 1841. From 1863 Marti & Cie worked closely with Japy Freres & Cie and A Roux & Cie (Vincenti & Cie), setting up a business based in Paris to market their clock movements. Initially based at Le Pays de Montbeliard – from 1870 they are known to be based at Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Paris. The company won medals at various Paris exhibitions (1860 Bronze: 1889 Silver: 1900 Gold: 1931 Grand Prix). Collaboration between the companies continued with members of the Japy family directing the company following Samuel Marti’s death in 1869. Samuel Augustus Marti (born 1857) took over the management of the company around 1890. The Japy and Marti families remained close – with Samuel Augustus’ son, André Samuel Jules Marti (1890-1958) marrying Jenny Alice Japy, a descendant of Auguste Julien Japy.