A Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted amaranth, kingwood and fruitwood régulateur de parquet Paris, late 19th century, after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener

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. Visible chips around the holes of the winders on the dial. Inscription A PARIS fainted. Loss of trellis parquetry kingwood to the edge of the proper right hand side with visible over paint and replacement. Gilt bronze molding along the upper edge of the clock case beneath the clouds will need to be re-aligned. A few part of the wooden molding are lacking. Pendulum is present but not original to the clock, bell present but winder lacking. Circular wooden plate covering the access to the movement is lacking. 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.
"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."

The present régulateur de parquet is a copy of the model attributed to Jean-Henri Riesener (reçu Maître en 1768), executed in 1785, and now in the permanent collection of the Musée du Louvre. This was one of the most popular of the eighteenth century models admired and copied by the finest cabinetmakers of the late nineteenth century. Interestingly, a barometer version of the clock, also in the Louvre, was made by the cabinetmaker Guillaume Grohé circa 1860, whose work was described at the 1867 Exposition Universelle as 'supéieurs à ceux de Riesener et Gouthière'. François Linke also made model, archive number 852.