Lot 582 | Martin Maerkel | SMALL BRONZE TABLE CLOCK AS A MASTERPIECE

SMALL BRONZE TABLE CLOCK AS A MASTERPIECE.

Maerkel, Martin. Bamberg

Date: Ca. 1760.
Technique: Fire-gilded bronze, engraved and chased. Crystal glass.
Description: Rectangular body on small console feet with a cartouche-like shade, the case behind it
with bevelled corners, glazed sides and a hinged carrying handle on the top. Both the
front and the case are finely shaped, punched and engraved with rocaille and cartouches.
The enamel dial features Roman hours and Arabic minutes, as well as pierced and blued
steel hands. Inside is a date display, above which is a silent lever with a silver-plated
gong. The movement plate is also richly engraved and marked. The spindle bridge is pierced
with fine tendrils and also engraved. Hour striking movement on an external bell on the
back of the door. The bell is held by engraved and crossed bands. Movement with spindle
winding, fusee and chain, repetition.
Measurement: 17x10x6cm.
Mark: On the back plate: "Martin Merckel Meister Stück A Bamberg" (Abeler p. 360).
Enclosed: Schlüssel.

Literature:
Abeler, Jürgen: Meister der Uhrmacherkunst (Masters of Watchmaking), Wuppertal 2010. Abeler mentions a possibly comparable clock from the Fränkel Collection No. 289 as well as a cartouche clock from 1760 in the Würzburg Residence under the master.