Four Glass Mantel Clock with Visible Escapement by Marti et Cie c.1875

Good and elegantly proportioned Four Glass striking mantel clock or Crystal Regulator by S. Marti et Cie. Rectangular brass case with plinth and cornice mouldings and bevelled glass panels. It has a stepped, white enamelled dial with exposed or visible escapement. Black roman numerals and moon blued-steel hands. Brass winding bezels and exposed ruby pin palleted deadbeat escapement. Unusual 2 week movement, striking the hours and half hour on a bell. Twin-flask mercury compensated pendulum with working adjustable Brocot suspension for fine regulation. Backplate stamped with S. Marti et Cie bronze medal (awarded 1860). Supplied with keys as shown. The clock measures 30.5 cm in height, 17.5 cm width and 14 cm depth. Excellent time-keeper.  Fully 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.