A Large French Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock After Jean-François-Théodore Gechter (1796-1844)

Circa 1900

the equestrian group depicting Charles Martel Fighting Abderame, King of the Saracens after the 1840 model, inscribed T. GECHTER; raised on a walnut and gilt bronze base; with a Brocot escapement and eight-day movement striking on a bell.
Height overall 29 3/4 x width of base 21 3/8 inches.

Property from the Estate of Michael L. Wilkie, Chicago, Illinois

Provenance:

Donrose Galleries, Inc., Chicago

Michael L. Wilkie (1941-2021) was the owner of one of the most renowned penthouses in both Chicago and the nation. Recently offered for sale for the first time in nearly fifty years, the penthouse occupies the entire top floor and roof terrace of 1500 Lake Shore Drive, which was built in 1927 by celebrated architect Rosario Candela.

Wilkie, who grew up in Long Grove, Illinois as well as Montecito, California, played a critical role in expanding his family business, the DoALL Company, which came to include over 70 companies around the globe. His father, Leighton A. Wilkie, founded DoALL and invented the metal-cutting bandsaw, one of the most widely used tools in manufacturing today. Michael Wilkie worked for and ran the business for 60 years.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Miller and The Baines Group, Jameson | Sotheby's International Realty.