Régulateur en placage de bois de violette et bronze doré de style Louis XVI, fin du XIXe siècle, attribué à François Linke, d'après le modèle de Balthazar Lieutaud et Ferdinand Berthoud

la caisse surmontée du char d'Apollon, la lunette du cadran ciselée des signes du Zodiaque, la façade ornée d'une guirlande de laurier rubannée, la plinthe à décor de bas-reliefs représentant le Printemps et l'Eté en façade, et l'Automne et l'Hiver sur les côtés ; le cadran portant une signature apocryphe de Ferdinand Berthoud

The illustration is accurate, good overall condition despite the inevitable dents, scratches and marks due to the age and use. Gilding is slightly tarnished and rubbed. A few small chips with loss to the veneer; the varnish on the veneer has turned slightly white. It comes with a pendulum, a rewind key, a key to open the case and a weight; dead beat escapment with jewelled pallets. Movement is complete but needs a clean and we do not guarantee the working order of the mecanism. Dial in very good condition. Please note that this condition report was made on August 31th 2016 inside Robert de Balkany's hôtel rue de Varenne; this lot will be shipped to Sotheby's galleries before the exhibit and the sale.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Notre régulateur est une réplique de celui exécuté par Balthazar Lieutaud, Philippe Caffieri et Ferdinand Berthoud, aujourd'hui conservé à la Frick collection à New York (cf. T. Dell, The Frick collection, New York, vol. V, pp. 314-332). Le modèle fut reproduit par François Linke à la fin du XIXe siècle, sous le numéro d'index 768. Un exemplaire signé de sa main s'est vendu chez Christie's à Londres, le 11 mars 2015, lot 200.