A Régence style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood régulateur de parquet in the manner of Charles Créssent Paris, circa 1880

the scalloped and foliate mount fitted above the black and white Roman and Arabic numeral-enameled dial has been removed to reveal three stamps from the bronzier H. KAHN, the twin train movement with the VICENTI seal and numbered 5882/69.

by repute, previously in the collection of former President of Mexico José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori (1830-1915)

 

Stand with small pieces of veneer missing and cracking up the veneer. Some very minor traces of old woodworm. The left side of the stand with crack to neveer dur to dryness. A small part of left side needs to be re-fixed in a better way. The gilt bronze rim of stand at right side needs re-fixing, as well as each claw foot at either side. The case itself with some minor spots with cracking up veneer and staining. The upper clock case with some miniscule spots of veneer missing at front, which is actually behind the central female mask. Overall with miniscule scratches due to aging. Basically overall in good condition. Gilt bronzes with staining in places - can be easily cleaned.
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.

The present régulateur de parquet is a late 19^th century interpretation of the exuberant Régence style of the early 18^th century and incorporates a number of later stylistic motifs, such as the figural cresting, putti and trophy.  The cresting combines a number of allegorical symbols such as the eagle, representing victory, the scythe, an attribute of Father time, and the snake, which can symbolize eternity, relating to time. The combination of these three possibly indicates victory over time.  The putti, which flank the cresting, are allegorical of two arts, namely architecture and sculpture, and the trophy to the center of the case combines attributes which symbolize science and industry.  It is conceivable that the person who commissioned the present piece was a late 19^th century industrialist, and thus the attributes of architecture, sculpture, science and industry point to the patron specifically, rather than any vague allegorical conception. The suggestion that the allegorical subject to the finial of the clock, which bears close similarities to the Mexican National flag, would have appealled to José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori supports the reputed provenance.