A red and gilt japanned musical table clock, George Prior, London, circa 1780

8¾-inch dial with scroll spandrels, matted centre with date aperture, the arch with a recessed plaque signed George Prior, London and flanked by strike/silent and tune selection dials, the three train fusee movement with later conversion to anchor escapement, striking the hours on a bell and playing one of four tunes at the hour or at will on a nest of eight bells with sixteen hammers, the case with bell top and pineapple finials, canted corners with ribbon-tied floral mounts, brass side handles and foliate frets, moulded base with gilt scroll feet, the whole decorated in gilt with foliate scrolls and swags 

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE ADVISED TO VIEW IN PERSON. Dial rather dirty, rings and plaque would benefit from re-silvering. Movement is complete but is very dirty and needs clean and service, 19th Century conversion to anchor escapement from verge, musical train is incorrectly set up and will require adjustment, some signs of old surface rusting to steelwork. Case is very dry and has extensive flaking and losses to all surfaces, loose moulding to right side, losses to gilt mouldings around bell top. With pendulum, winder and door 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."

George Prior is recorded as working at 31 Prescot Street, Goodmans Fields (1765-1788), Rosomans Row (1794), Lombard Street (1798-1810) and 5 St. George Yard (1808-1812).  He is a particularly known for his high quality musical clocks made for export to Turkey and is known to have purchased movements from Thwaites & Reed and also Spencer & Perkins.  He was succeeded by his son Edward in 1812.