Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How do I adjust a French mantel clock?
1 Answer

How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Related Questions
- Should a mantle be longer than the fireplace?1 Answer
- How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?1 Answer
- What is the difference between a grandmother clock and a granddaughter clock?1 Answer
- What is the rarest clock?1 Answer
- What is the Atlas clock?1 Answer
Shop for Samuel Marti Mantel Clocks on 1stDibs
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mantle Clock Garniture Set
By Raingo Frères, Samuel Marti
Located in Forney, TX
A luxurious French Louis XVI style gilt bronze ormolu and alabaster (onyx-marble) three piece mantle clock and garniture set, possibly attributed to Raingo Freres.
The fine quality antique originating in France in the late 19th century, exquisite Parisian work, exceptionally executed in opulent, elegant, and sophisticated King Louis XVI style, timeless neoclassical taste, comprising: classical architectural case mantel clock, having pointed bronze doré finial, flanked by scrolled foliates and lyre motifs, fancy enamel dial with Arabic numerals, inscribed F. Lapointe, Paris, eight-day time-and-strike movement signed Samuel Marti 1900 (Paris, 1870-1890), original Apollo mask sun-burst pendulum hanging below clock drum, flanked by matched pair of two arm candlestick garnitures, each with matching scrolled foliates and lyre finial, tapering column support with two candle nozzles, rising on stepped molded base, terminating in patinated brass disc feet.
Markings:
Pendulum stamped "R" "1721" ormolu on clock & garnitures stamped "1321"; possibly attributed to R. Freres / Raingo Freres.
Dial signed by French enameller "F. Lapointe, Paris"
Movement stamped by the firm of well-known French clockmaker Samuel Marti et Cie, Paris, second half of 19th century.
Dimensions: (approx)
As pictured:
18.5" High, 36" Wide, 5.5" Deep; 27.5 lbs total.
Clock:
18.5" High, 13" Wide, 5.5" Deep;
Candelabra garnitures: (each)
12" High, 8" Wide, 4.25" Deep;
Condition:
Presents splendidly. Great original unrestored antique condition. Currently not operating as it's lacking a suspension spring. Retaining bell, pendulum, and key. Losses to decorative elements. Wear consistent with age and use.
To ensure the clock arrives as beautiful as it leaves here, and due to the rather delicate nature of antique clocks...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
An Extremely Rare Ships Wheel Pendulum Four Glass Clock
By Samuel Marti
Located in Amersham, GB
This Fine french four glass mantel clock has a beautifully gilded case with thick bevelled glass panels and doors. the eight day movement with visible jewelled Brocot escapement is m...
Category
Antique 1870s French Victorian Mantel Clocks
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Steel, Ormolu
French Red Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock, Samuel Marti, Paris
By Samuel Marti
Located in Norwich, GB
French Red Tortoiseshell Boulle clock, Samuel Marti, Paris.
Red tortoiseshell case inlaid with fine brass decoration surmounted by an ormolu finial, ormolu mounts and standing on raised bracket feet. The front of the case with glazed viewing aperture behind a central ormolu mount. The sides of the case decorated with fishscale fret decoration.
Gilded and chased dial with individual blue enamel numerals and original ‘blued’ steel hands.
Eight day French movement with starburst pendulum, anchor escapement and outside countwheel, striking the hours and halves on a silvered bell. The backplate stamped H & F, Paris and marked for Samuel Marti, Paris, number 4005. C.1880
‘Samuel Marti & Cie’ were well known French clockmakers working from their premises at Le Pays De Montbeliard Paris from just before 1860. They were awarded the medaille de bronze...
Category
Antique 1880s French Victorian Mantel Clocks
Materials
Fruitwood
"Geniuses of the Arts" Gilded Bronze and Marble Clock Set by G. Fabre, c. 1900
By G. Fabre, Samuel Marti
Located in PARIS, FR
Dial signed G. Fabre, 4 rue des Filles du Calvaire, Paris
Clockwork signed Samuel Marti – Médaille d’Or 1900
A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze and statuary Carrare marble clock set, consisting of a clock and a pair candelabra...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Gilt Champleve Decorated Clock Garniture
By Samuel Marti
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilt champleve clock garniture
Rectangular case standing on a stepped moulded base with turned feet, applied frieze decoration below a beaut...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks
Materials
Brass
Fine Art Deco Marble Mantel Clock
By Samuel Marti
Located in Norwich, GB
Fine Art Deco Marble Mantel Clock
Art Deco mantel clock housed in a fan shaped case with finely figured Rouge, Cream and Black marble ins...
Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble