Search 0
17,966  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 96 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
96 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA921722
FOR SALE
£11,950
Email
Save
An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock
Chalfont Clocks
for sale €13,982     $15,177
£11,950

Chalfont Clocks

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2021
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Specialists in antique clocks and their restoration.
Relevant Links
Id #SA921722
PDF SHARE
SAVE

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

19th century
For Sale by Chalfont Clocks
Description

An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock. The eight-day two train bell striking movement, with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement and stamped with S. Marti et Cie MEDAILLE D'ARGENT. 1889 roundel and serial number 647 to backplate.

The dial formed as a deep blue and gold flecked enamel dome applied with gilt Roman numerals and stars set within billowing clouds interspersed with sunburst rays. Applied with three patinated bronze cherubs in flight, around the dial attending to a floral garland.

Amongst the clouds can be found a pair of doves, a horn and arrows, a quiver and bow. This coupled with the cherubs and flower garland would suggest this clock was made as a love token or wedding present. The symbolism of love, marriage and fertility, the cherubs representing the three Greek Erotes, make this an extremely romantic clock.

The extremely fine ormolu (gilded bronze) case in remarkable original condition, has a satin and burnished finish highlighting the cloud forms. Other details such as the love birds and arrow quiver are chased and polished, contrasting with the beautifully sculpted cherubs dark bronze patination. The original gilding has survived in extremely good condition, having thankfully not been cleaned with anything abrasive in the past, we have gently cleaned it to allow it to shine as it was intended.

A renowned Parisian clockmaker 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.

Physical Dimensions
Height
72cm (28.35")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Chalfont Clocks has dated this Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA921722
Dealers Internal Reference
046
Dealers Notes

All of our clocks come with a 2 year guarantee, all of our clocks are overhauled and sympathetically restored, all of our clocks are authentic and supplied in good original condition.

Description
An exquisite Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze cartel clock.
“
The eight-day two train bell striking movement, with vertically planted platform cylinder escapement and stamped with S.
Chalfont Clocks

Marti et Cie MEDAILLE D'ARGENT. 1889 roundel and serial number 647 to backplate.

fig 1. A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
fig 1. An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

The dial formed as a deep blue and gold flecked enamel dome applied with gilt Roman numerals and stars set within billowing clouds interspersed with sunburst rays. Applied with three patinated bronze cherubs in flight, around the dial attending to a floral garland.

fig 2. A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
fig 2. An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

Amongst the clouds can be found a pair of doves, a horn and arrows, a quiver and bow. This coupled with the cherubs and flower garland would suggest this clock was made as a love token or wedding present. The symbolism of love, marriage and fertility, the cherubs representing the three Greek Erotes, make this an extremely romantic clock.

fig 3. A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
fig 3. An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

The extremely fine ormolu (gilded bronze) case in remarkable original condition, has a satin and burnished finish highlighting the cloud forms. Other details such as the love birds and arrow quiver are chased and polished, contrasting with the beautifully sculpted cherubs dark bronze patination. The original gilding has survived in extremely good condition, having thankfully not been cleaned with anything abrasive in the past, we have gently cleaned it to allow it to shine as it was intended.

fig 4. A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
fig 4. An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

A renowned Parisian clockmaker 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.

fig 5. A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
fig 5. An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

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.

Height
72cm (28.35")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Chalfont Clocks has dated this Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA921722
Dealers Internal Ref
046
Chalfont Clocks
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2021

Specialists in antique clocks and their restoration.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Chalfont Clocks Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
1 / 11
Archive I A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

Archive II A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View II
Archive III A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals. View XI
Enlarged Archival View

Chalfont Clocks
Telephone 01494 763 793
Location
Chalfont Station Road
Little Chalfont
Buckinghamshire
HP7 9PN
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/chalfontclocks
Verified Since Nov 2021
Items For Sale 62
Items Sold 80
Chalfont Clocks
Verified Since Nov 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Chalfont Station Road, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9PN, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/chalfontclocks
Verified
Nov 2021
For Sale
62
Sold
80
A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock
Ref: SA921722
A 19th-century French cartel clock featuring a gilded bronze cloudburst frame, three dark patinated bronze cherub figures, and a deep blue enamel dial with Roman numerals.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

A cartel clock is a wall-mounted timepiece housed in a cartouche-shaped frame, typically made of cast bronze or wood, originating in 18th-century France. These clocks feature ornate Rococo or Neoclassical scrollwork, foliage, or figurative sculpture surrounding a central circular dial.

Traditional 19th-century cartel clocks were constructed primarily using gilt bronze, also known as ormolu, along with patinated bronze elements. The clock dials were often crafted from enamel or porcelain, fitted with protective glass and brass mechanical pendulum movements.

Authentic pieces feature heavy cast bronze construction with original gilding, showing subtle hand-chased details and natural surface wear on raised areas. Look for stamped movement makers marks, French counting wheels, and proper threaded assembly on the reverse side rather than modern screws.

Position a cartel clock as a central focal point above a fireplace mantelpiece or centered along a hallway wall. Displaying detailed gilt metalwork against a dark matte wall finish creates a strong contrast between historical metalwork and modern background textures.

Dust the surface gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to prevent dirt accumulation within carved details. Avoid liquid metal polishes or abrasive chemical cleaners, as these strip the original fire gilding and historic patina from the bronze base.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories