Tall and elegant, quality French Oval Four Glass striking mantel clock with visible escapement (of type often referred to as a Crystal Regulator), by Samuel Marti et Cie c1895. The clock is in an oval brass case with plinth and cornice mouldings. Curved bevelled glass panels. It has a stepped, white enamelled dial with black roman numerals and shaped hands. Brass winding bezels and exposed ruby pin palleted deadbeat Brocot escapement. Finely decorated gilt-brass bezel. An 8-day movement striking the hours and half hour on a coiled gong. Brocot adjustable twin-flask mercury compensated pendulum. Backplate stamped 'Medaille d'Argent 1889' with 'S Marti et Cie'. Supplied with keys. The clock measures 31 cm in height, 21 cm width and 17 cm depth. Excellent time-keeper. Watch a short 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.
 
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.