the embossed metal and enamel dial with Roman numerals inscribed F. LINKE / PARIS, the twin train movement numbered 4793, the conch shell signed Linke

Christopher Payne, François Linke 1855-1946 The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Antique Collector’s Club Ltd., Woodbridge, 2003, p. 217, pl. 238
Peter Hughes, The Wallace Collection-Catalogue of Furniture, The Trustees of the Wallace Collection, London, 1996, vol. I, pp. 354-9 for the original model by A.C Boulle

Please note that the movement has not been checked for functionality. However, the movement is complete and may be put into a working state by a professional horologist. Bell, pendulum and winder are present. Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. The wreath which the female is holding is tarnished and has green oxidiation points. The seams of the wings of the putti are oxidized. The crevices of the floral garland are also oxidized. The top half of the cherub's bow will need to be re-attached.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Linke title: Pendule Louis XIV collection Wallace.

There are six models of this celebrated clock in Linke’s green registre. The first was made in 1911, another in 1915, two between 1919 and 1920, and the last pair between 1923 and 1924. The first example cost 1,456 francs, and🐟 this had risen to 2,627 francs per clock in 🐻1924. The first two movements were supplied by Étienne Maxant and the remainder appear to have been supplied by Léon Foucher. In each example, the casting of the bronze was one of the most expensive factors surpassed only by the subsequent chasing. By 1932 the suggested retail price was 25,000 reduced the following year to 19,500 due to the depression.

One of the original models attributed to André-Charles Boulle (d. 1735), now residing in the Wallace Collection, is believed to be one of three known clocks. The attribution to Boulle is based on the 1715 acte de délaissement to his four sons stating: 'Une boëte de pandulle [sic] historiée d'une Vénus avec son amour dont il n'y a que le corps de la boëte fait, les bronzes n'etant que moulées et prêtes à fondre, commandée, valant avec trois autres boettes de pandulle [sic] dans le même état...2500l.'  See Jean-Pierre Samoyault, André-Charles Boulle et sa Famillle, Genève, 1979, p. 66.

Franҫois Linke (1855-1946) was undoubtedly the most important Parisian ébéniste of his time. Having served an apprenticeship in his home town of Pankraz, Bohemia, Linke arrived in Paris in 1875 and set up independent workshops at 170, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in 1881 and later also at 26, Place Vendôme. By the time of the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, Linke's worldwide reputation as a master of high individualism and inventiveness was already established and unmatched by his contemporaries. His success at the 1900 exhibition afforded Linke a high degree of financial stability and allowed him to pursue new markets by exhibiting at subsequent international fairs. Like the inventories of contemporaries such as Beurdeley and Dasson, Linke's oeuvre included copies and adaptations of the distinct styles of eighteenth century important and royal French furniture. However his most extravagant exhibition pieces combined the Louis XV style with the new Art Nouveau style. Linke's frequent collaborator for his designs was the celebrated sculptor Léon Messagé.  In 1904, he was made Officier de L’ Iinstruction Publique, and in 1905 he was called to be a member of the Jury of the Liège exhibition.  Following his stands in the St- Louis (U.S.A.) exhibition in 1904 and the Liège exhibition in 1905, Linke was decorated with the highest distinction of France, the Croix de la Légion d’Honneur, on October 11, 1906.