French origin. A gilt and champleve’ decorated mantel clock. 223311.

Champleve’ is an enameling technique developed close to 1,000 years ago. The process involves fusing colored glass into a prepped metal and then polishing the surface to a smooth finish. This type of decorative enamel was initially used on containers in religious settings and later on other objects like jewelry and clocks.

This very attractive mantel clock was made in France sometime around 1890. The quality of construction is outstanding. The brass-formed case retains its original gilt wash, which remains in excellent condition. The case design features freestanding columns at each corner, four urn-shaped finials, and a caddy top that supports a turret topped with a rococo-style finial. Many of the surfaces are decorated with champleve’. This colorful treatment can be found on the front panel, upper and lower frieze, around each finial, and in the center of the dial.

This dial measures approximately 3.5 in diameter and features Arabic hour numerals. A brass bezel which is fitted with beveled glass protects it. One would need to open this in order to wind the clock with a key.

The spring-powered movement, stamped “A-1” and made by Samuel Marti, is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It will also strike hourly on a wire gong mounted inside the case.

The case is a wonderful small size, standing approximately 13 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.

Inventory number 223311.