A Russian Silver and Carved Hardstone Figural Mantel Clock, Konstantin Linke for Bolin, Moscow, 1899-1908

depicting a winged figure of Time and a putto with torch riding on the back of a scaled and mustachioed dolphin with hardstone eyes, with the aged figure of Time bent under the weight of a carved lapis globe containing the clock works and applied with gilt Latin chapters and serpent hands, the screw-off back revealing Swiss carriage clock works, the shaped, carved fluorite base raised on lion paw feet terminating in mounts of scrolling acanthus

The silver beautifully chased, the fluorite base with naturally occurring cracks and discoloration, the back of the figure with two small areas of casting flaw near base and on the upper shoulder of the figure of Father Time
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.

As many authors have noted, while Bolin's St. Petersburg workshops were distinguished by their fine jewelry, which often graced Imperial dowries, the Moscow workshop was known for inventive cast and chased figural silver, often serving as the mount for hardstones, cut glass or ceramics. This sort of work reached its height in the work of Konstantin Eduardovich Linke (b. 1856), who designed numerous pieces of figural silver and clocks, most of which rarely appear on the market.  (See for example, V.A. Bolin-Bolin v Rossii. Moscow, 2001, pp. 145-146, 171, 213-215.)  The offered lot is distinguished in particular by the designer's use of traditional European models such as Father Time, in this case placed atop of the back of a rather fantastic dolphin of the Renaissance, with highly figured hardstones such as the fluorite base and the lapis lazuli globe-shaped case which recalls the night sky.