John Ellicott. A gilt-mounted ebony musical table clock, London, circa 1740

8-inch dial with unusual mask and scroll spandrels, matted centre with date and mock pendulum apertures, signed on a silvered plaque John Ellicott, London, the upper corners with subsidiary strike/silent and chime/silent dials, a tune selection dial in the arch, the substantial three train chain fusee movement with ten knopped pillars, striking the hours on a bell and playing one of seven tunes every three hours or at will on a carillon of thirteen bells with twenty five hammers, foliate engraved backplate, the case with inverted bell top and leaf-case handle above finely cast and chased frets and mask corners, brass mouldings throughout,

Dial in good original condition. Movement is complete but very much in need of a clean, chain to the muiscal train fusee has been replaced with a steel line, verge escapement is very worn but will run with care, pendulum holding hook replaced, movement support brackets replaced and two lacking. Case ebony has, at some stage been re-finished, mounts retain some original gilding but mouldings rather rubbed, mouldings to glazing generally rather loose, seatboard cut due to wear in escapement. With a damaged winder and ill-fitting case key.
"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."

John Ellicott, one of the most famous 18th century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died in 1733. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a Councillor for three years. Later he became clockmaker to King George III and made many fine and unusual clocks; he is probably best remembered for the invention of a compensated pendulum in 1752 which bears his name. John Ellicott died in 1772.