M.S. Rau Grandfather Clocks and Longcase

Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock François Linke Circa 1900 Widely regarded as the greatest sculptural clock ever created, this monumental régulateur by François Linke was conceived as a statement for the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, a moment when the world’s finest artisans competed on an international stage. Linke, the most celebrated ébéniste of the Belle Époque, was awarded the prestigious gold medal for his display, which critics described as “the biggest event in the history of furnishing art in the year 1900.” Designed in collaboration with the sculptor Léon Messagé, the clock exemplifies Linke’s ambition to elevate furniture and timepieces to the realm of fine art. The clock represents over a decade of design and craftsmanship. Only six examples of this model were ever completed due to the extraordinary labor and cost involved. Building just one had a production cost of 22,966 francs, the equivalent of approximately eight years' wages for the average French worker in 1900. The clock is illustrated on the spine of Christopher Payne’s definitive monograph on Linke. Mahdi Al-Tajir, one of the world’s most important collectors, later acquired the present model. Another is located at Whitehall, the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. It was acquired by Rockefeller’s partner, Henry Flagler...

This magnificent English longcase, or grandfather, clock boasts a fine rosewood case inlaid with an intricate, balanced design. The face is crafted of chased silver in a foliate motif with fully hallmarked numerals by London silversmith James Stedstone Gouldsmith. The clock is a three-train movement run by three silver-plated weights and a mercury pendulum. The three weights power the time, the hour chime and the quarter-hour chime, and the clock strikes on nine tubular bells with a choice of either Whittington or Westminster chimes. Known commonly as “grandfather” clocks, it was not until the late 19th century that longcase clocks garnered this name. According to the origin tale, two brothers named Jenkins owned the George Hotel...

A majestic specimen of English clockmaking, this important longcase clock by London clockmaker James Fenton features an exceptional Adam and Eve automaton above the dial. Longcase ti...

This Louis-Philippe-period month-going longcase regulator clock is an exceptional example of French clockmaking, and its complicated mechanism marks several different aspects of passing time. Crafted by Deshays à Paris, the timepiece displays sleek silvered steel dials that indicate the time, date, month, equation of time...

This important regulator clock beautifully demonstrates the heights of precision clockmaking. While regulator clocks are known for their incredible acc...