Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Object of the Day: A French Slate Clock

Dating to the late Nineteenth Century, this black slate temple-form mantle clock features an ormolu face and Corinthian columns. The face of the clock is marked, “James Wiseman, Paris.” The clock’s movement was made by Marti et cie—a famed Parisian maker of clockwork movements. Marti et Cie often made movements for other companies to use in clock cases of their own design.

This handsome clock has the clean lines that heralded the transition from more ornate Victorian styles to the more Classical motifs which became prevalent at the start of the Edwardian era. As if often the case with these slate clocks, this timepiece is quite heavy. While its movement is not presently in working order, the clock makes for a rather imposing decorative piece. Antique clocks are very touchy, but the beauty they bring is worth their inherent crankiness.

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