James Cox. A gilt and patinated bronze musical automaton table clock, London, circa 1775

3¾-inch silvered dial with subsidiary seconds, date and day dials, signed James Cox, London, two train fusee and chain movement quarter striking on two bells, lever platform escapement, foliate engraved backplate, the drum supported by a flower and rocaille frame above an oval mirror and an arrangement of gryphons and hippocampi with spiral glass simulated water features, the base containing a substantial musical movement with chain fusee playing a tune on eight bells with sixteen hammers, and driving the simulated waterfalls, all four sides clad with automaton scenes depicting boats in an estuary, animals in a rural landscape and musicians, on gilt rococo scroll feet

Dial in generally good condition, calendar hands changed. Movement is reasonably clean but has been the subject of a rather poor restoration with amateur repairs which could be much improved, bells replaced, movement supporting brackets replaced though sited in their original positions. Musical movement is clean and running at time of cataloguing, some sticking of automaton features, some amateurish repairs. Case in generally good condition, mirrors replaced, some losses to gilt rosettes, poor repairs to panelled sides of base, some rubbing to gilding.
"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.

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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."

James Cox, 1723-1800, was apprenticed in 1738 to Humphrey Pugh, a goldsmith and toyman in Fleet Street, London, and became Free in 1745 as a goldsmith. Almost immediately he went into business on his own account producing extravagant objects with musical and automata complications. He quickly established a trade with the Far East but the business failed in 1758 and he was made bankrupt. However, Cox was able to retain his premises in Shoe Lane and by 1763 he was building a network of craftsmen and out workers to supply more fabulous items, this time to the newly emerging Indian market. Having exdspanded again in theFar East and again run into financial difficulties, he set up a 'museum' and sold a number of pieces by auction but was again made bankrupt in 1778. He continued trading as a jeweller until he retired and moved to Watford in 1795.
This clock is a typical combination of elements used by Cox to create his 'sing songs'. The contrast between gilt and patinated bronze is used to great effect and the automaton scenes to all four sides are particularly charming.