A gilt-brass table clock with alarm, German, circa 1580

2½-inch principal silver dial with single hand and central alarm disc, below a moon dial with outer lunar calendar, all set on a fruit-cast surround above a concealed winding aperture above a further aperture for the signs of the zodiac with hidden setting square, the reverse with strike recording dial below a further lunar dial, concealed winding square and aperture for ruling deity, the movement with elaborate gilt-steel posts, open springs with engraved gilt guards, verge and balance escapement with engraved gilt regulation, striking the hours on a bell and passing strike for the half on a further bell, key wound alarm to the side, the case surmounted by Minerva above finely pierced dome and balustrade, the sides very finely cast and chased with warriors and mythical creatures within strapwork panels, the whole raised on dragon feet

Movement is complete but much in need of a clean. Silver dials tarnished. Case with good original gilding throughout, one corner serpent lacking,one securing bayonet to dome damaged.
"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."

The movement of this clock with its gilt-steel pillars and finely turned steel posts is less complicated than the German masterpiece clocks of late 16th and early 17th Centuries.  However, it is the case of this clock which is the true masterpiece. The crispness of the casting and chasing is extremely fine and close inspection reveals even further detail.

This clock is not typical of the work of the better-known Augsburg clockmakers and appears to have more similarities with North German and Danish work of the late 16th Century. An engraving of a similarly detailed clock by Steffen Brenner of Copenhagen and dated 1579 is illustrated in Die Deutsche Raderuhr by Klaus Maurice, fig.224 although in that case the iconography is markedly more serene.