A very rare Swiss 'falling ball' timepiece with sculptural stand, T.L. Brandenberg A Zug

movement with baluster pillars driven by its own weight with winding spring signed Thoma Leonti Brandenberg A Zug, verge escapement with balance under a foliate pierced and engraved cock, contained in a 'verre eglomisé' glass case adorned with stars, turning a single foliate pierced hand at an engraved dial at the bottom and a flower on the inside across an engraved chapter ring, suspended from a polychrome painted and parcel gilt wood eagle on a carved and turned stand on a canted square plinth 

movement able to function, part guiding the suspension cord restored, balance with a bar attached to turn it into a sort of pendulum, bridge holding lower wheel restored, lower part of ball and dials seem to be original, dial and chapter ring hard to tell, top glass part replaced, hard to tell the age of the stand but well carved and eagle probably 19th century, stand itself probably much older and with some old worm holes, gilding at the lower part with some rubbing, very rare system and very decorative piece
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."