Antique Clock with Mercury Pendulum, 1890

Details

Description

Clock specifications

type of clock
french pendulum clock
age and origin
age: probably circa 1890, origin: france
signature:
s. Marti … Read more Clock specifications

type of clock
french pendulum clock
age and origin
age: probably circa 1890, origin: france
signature:
s. Marti et cie (samuel marti & company)
case material:
brass, bronze, marble
clock dimensions:
height approx. 47 cm, width approx. 37.5 cm, depth approx. 13 cm
movement material:
brass, iron, mercury
pendulum suspension:
pendulum spring
escapement:
brocot escapement
power time:
8 days
strike mechanism:
1, 1, 1/2 strike on bell
condition of case:
good condition with signs of wear
condition of movement:
good condition with signs of wear.

the movement runs but has not been tested for continuous operation. Due to its age, no guarantee is given.

pictures are part of the auction.

large, architecturally structured mantel clock with matching mercury pendulum. Manufacturer: s. Marti et cie (samuel marti & company), montbéliard and paris, france.

period: late 19th century, circa 1880–1890 (napoleonic iii style / second empire). The clock bears one of the manufacture's decorations, such as the "médaille de bronze 1889" (used 1867–1890).

materials & design:

the clock case is made of solid, polished black marble, elegantly accentuated by inlays of marbled marble with a vibrant veining. The architectural design includes projecting columns with appliqués and decorative volutes. The round dial is set behind beveled glass in a gilt bronze frame and features clear roman numerals and delicate hands. A special feature is the viewing window on the front, which elegantly showcases the swinging pendulum.

movement & mechanics:

inside is a high-quality, mechanical 8-day movement with a striking mechanism that chimes the full and half hours on a bell. The movement is stamped and signed on the backplate ("s. Marti et cie").

central movement with an enamel dial painted with roman numerals, featuring a broco escapement in the center, iron hands, and a brass mount with an original faceted glass crystal.

watchmaker biography:

samuel marti was born on september 20, 1811, in langenthal, canton of bern, switzerland. In 1849, he won a bronze medal in paris and later became a major producer of french pendulum clock movements.

the mercury pendulum:

the clock is equipped with an original, temperature-compensating mercury pendulum. This technically sophisticated system, in which mercury rises and falls in a glass cylinder with temperature fluctuations, keeps the pendulum's center of gravity constant and ensures more precise timekeeping than standard pendulums.

note regarding mercury:

antique clocks with mercury pendulums contain genuine mercury. Although it is contained in sealed glass tubes, it should be handled with care. The pendulum is not suitable for transporting the clock case and must be removed before moving the clock. See less