A Victorian multi-colored French-made mantel clock. 226093.
This impressive French-made mantel clock is presented in a "Belgique Noir" black marble case and is decorated with colorful red Verona marble inserts and various engraved themes highlighted with gold paint.
This impressive case measures approximately 22.5 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 9.25 inches deep and is crafted from "Belgique Noir" black marble stone, now more commonly called Belgian midnight black slate. If they made this case any bigger, you would need Arnold Schwarzenegger to lift it. The case is three-dimensionally designed. Many of the surfaces step outwards and upwards, providing a complex presentation. The base rests flat on a brass molding. Red Verona marble inserts are featured in the base and at the top of the case. Many of the flat surfaces feature engraved/incised details like florals, leaves, and lines. These are highlighted with gold paint, which sharply contrasts with the black casing. The case sides are fitted with brass lion head handles. The detail and the size of these are impressive. The window below the dial is trimmed in brass and fitted with beveled plate glass. The clock's pendulum is visible through this shaped opening. Above this is the clock's dial.
The dial is protected by a hinged door fitted with beveled glass. The door is brass and closes on a French sash. The two-part dial has a marble time ring, possibly Dedalo stone. The front surface is polished smooth. Roman-style hour numerals are engraved and filled with gold paint. The center of the dial steps in. The base plate here is brass and expertly engraved with floral designs. The exposed jeweled Brocot escapement is visible in this area. Brass spade and pointer hands depict the time.
The Marti French-made movement is of high quality and was made circa 1850. It is spring-powered, designed to run for eight days on a wind, and strikes each hour on a coil-wire gong. (These photos were taken before the movement was serviced.)
The case measures approximately 22.5 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 9.25 inches deep.
Inventory number 226093.
