Object Description
A very classy French antique tortoiseshell clock made by Samuel Marti and retailed by Balthazard, Paris.
The clock dates from the early 1900s, in the years following Samuel Marti being awarded a gold medal at the 1900 exhibition. The 8 day gong-striking movement is signed for S. Marti with their gold medal emblem.
The red tortoiseshell case is in lovely original condition, the tortoiseshell without any loss, and with a good lustre. It has a frieze of fretwork brass below the caddy top. Eight fine quality ormolu mounts adorn the top, and the case is edged and inlaid with brass strips. At only 4.5 inches deep, this clock will fit well on most mantelpieces.
The 4” brass dial ring is set with white enamel cartouches with blue painted Roman numerals, all in perfect original condition. The matted brass background has a polished plaque signed BALTHAZARD, PARIS.