Items Similar to The Linke Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
The Linke Grand Regulator World's Fair Clock
About the Item
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. Payne himself identified our clock as one of Linke's earliest models because of its vert de mer marble plinth.
Standing over 10 feet tall, the case is constructed from inlaid tulipwood and fruitwood and adorned with masterfully cast ormolu. A celestial globe dial sits at the center, surmounted by Chronos, the Greek god of time, wielding his scythe. Naturalistic ornament, such as cascading water, oak branches, apple blossoms and bulrushes, echoes the dynamic forms of Art Nouveau while grounding the piece in the symbolism of time’s passage. Even the hidden mounts and bell are cast to the highest standards, each stamped with Linke’s name.
Signed "F. Linke"
123" high x 38 3/4" wide x 22" deep
Literature:
Payne, Christopher, François Linke, 1855-1946: The Belle Époque of French Furniture, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2003, pp. 121, 130-132
- Creator:François Linke (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 123 in (312.42 cm)Width: 38.75 in (98.43 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
- Style:Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1900
- Condition:Repaired.
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 32-04421stDibs: LU891145235572
François Linke
François Linke, the most important French ébéniste of his time. Born in Bohemia in 1855, Linke moved to Paris in 1881 where he established his now-famous workshop and showroom. Linke's superior work spread quickly through France and he soon eclipsed even the finest furniture houses of Paris. Today, Linke is counted among the most important furniture makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work is dearly coveted by collectors. Linke is celebrated for designing highly innovative furnishings by infusing the Rococo style with the Art Nouveau trends of Paris and this Louis XV style desk exemplifies his highly original style.
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
107 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New Orleans, LA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllMonth-Going Regulator Clock by Deshays à Paris
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Grandfather Clocks and Longca...
Materials
Steel
Regulator Clock by Jean-Aimé Jacob and Adam Weisweiler
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important regulator clock beautifully demonstrates the heights of precision clockmaking. While regulator clocks are known for their incredible acc...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Cl...
Materials
Ebony, Mahogany
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene often referred to as "The Astronomy Lesson." A popular motif during this period, Emper...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Venus Clipping the Wings of Cupid Mantel Clock by Thomire & Cie
By Louis Moinet, Thomire & Cie.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This splendid Empire gilt bronze French mantel clock, signed on the dial by bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire and watchmaker Louis Moinet, features an exquisitely detailed scene of Ve...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Paul Frey Miniature 18-Karat Gold and Jade Clock
By Paul Frey
Located in New Orleans, LA
An exceptionally rare objet d'art, this opulent and incredibly rare French miniature clock is crafted of solid 18-karat gold and jade. Crafted by Parisian jeweler Paul Frey and retailed by Gompers, this handcrafted masterpiece is exemplary of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, boasting exquisite gold mounts hand-cast with unmistakable Gothic elements, including gargoyles and grotesque figures, accentuated by intricate foliate motifs. The resplendent, rich green jade column provides the perfect contrast; gracefully twisting in an elegant display of beauty and craftsmanship. The vast majority of such luxurious objects were composed of gilt bronze, making 18K gold specimen...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Jade, 18k Gold, Bronze
Rosewood Grandfather Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Silver, Silver Plate
$98,500
You May Also Like
Fine Fruitwood Grand-Sonnerie Striking Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Fine Fruitwood Grand-Sonnerie Striking Vienna Regulator
Four pillar, triple train movement of short duration with dead beat escapement incorporating...
Category
Antique 1840s Austrian Biedermeier Wall Clocks
Materials
Fruitwood
German Gustav Becker 3 Weight Grand Sonnerie Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Here is an excellent 3 weight driven regulator wall clock. This clock is 57-1/2" tall and 16-3/8" wide. It features a solid brass movement and chimes every 15 minutes, which are driv...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
German Gustav Becker 3 Weight Grand Sonnerie Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Highly Carved German 3 Weight Grand Sonnerie Quarter Strike Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Here is an excellent 3 weight driven regulator wall clock. This clock is 52-1/4" tall and 17-3/8" wide. It features a solid brass movement and chimes every 15 minutes, which are driven by three engraved weights. This clock has Grand Sonnerie striking...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
"The Source" Gilt bronze Clock attr. to L. Messagé & F.Linke, France, circa 1890
By François Linke
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming clock in the shape of a Rocaille-inspired cartel in chiseled and gilded bronze. Scalloped marine-inspired decor representing a trophy with oars, dolphins, reeds and flowers ...
Category
Antique 1890s French Rococo Revival Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
German Gustav Becker 3 Weight Grand Sonnerie Strike Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Located in Danville, CA
German Gustav Becker 3 Weight Grand Sonnerie Quarter Strike Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Here is an excellent 3 weight driven regulator wall clock. This clock is 52-1/4" tall and 17-...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass
George III Mahogany Regulator Clock
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A Regulator clock by William Chisholm, London. Baillie has no record of the maker but by the design of its original case, we believe it to be late 18th century circa 1790. The 8 day ...
Category
Antique 1790s English George III Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Paul Revere Crafted This Silver Coffee Pot 250 Years Ago
Perhaps best known as a Revolutionary War hero, Revere was also an accomplished silversmith, and this pot is now available on 1stDibs.
Degas Portrayed These Exuberant Ukrainian Dancers with ‘Orgies of Color’
Discovered in Parisian cabarets, the performers reenergized the artist’s practice.