Hans Gasteiger. A gilt-brass quarter striking astronomical table clock in the style of Jeremias Metzger, Munich, dated 1562/63

3¾-inch principal dial with outer minute track calibrated in three-minute intervals and quarters, the hour ring numbered I-XII twice, set on foliate engraved plate with date aperture, and subsidiary dials for alarm and signs of the zodiac, the other side with a 4¼-inch reversible calendar dial (originally one of three), engraved with month and corresponding zodiacal sign, saints' days, date, Dominical letter and Roman calendar, set on a similarly engraved plate, the left side with an hours recording dial (lacking hand), the right side with quarters recording dial (lacking hand) and opening to reveal a sundial with compass, the inner panel engraved with cities and their latitudes and signed Hans Gasteiger, Anno Domini 1562, the posted iron three train fusee movement with lipped and pinned barrels, verge escapement with later conversion to pendulum, quarters train with later brass wheels, quarter strtiking on two top-mounted bells, all calendar driving wheels lacking, the richly gilded case signed along the shaped bottom plate MASTER*HANS*GASTEIGER*URMACHER*ZU*MUNCHEN and dated to the side 1563, the finely pierced basket top surmounted by a dancing putto and with dolphin corners, richly cast and chased mask and foliage corner pilasters, raised on pad feet

Collection Dr. Alfred Pringsheim
Confiscated by the Gestapo in 1938
Central Collecting Point Munich (Mü 36866) on 8.09.1946
Collecting Point Wiesbaden 29.05.1949
Restituted to the heirs of Dr. Alfred Pringsheim on June 19, 1951
Private collection

Klaus Maurice, Die Deutsche Raderuhr, Vol.2, Pg. 29, fig.153.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD PERSONALLY INSPECT. Good original gilding throughout. All subsidiary dials and date on principal dial plate have no connection to the movement, calendar dial to the reverse with no connection and lacking two of the three discs. Movement is extremely dirty, escapement has conversion from balance wheel to pendulum, quarter striking train with replaced wheelwork and lacking hammer. With a winder.
"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."

Hans Gasteiger is recorded as working in Munich and Vienna between 1545 and 1578.

Astronomical table clocks of this form are commonly known as Metzger-type after the Augsburg clockmaker Jeremias Metzger who made a number of such clocks during the 1560's. The style became popular with master clockmakers in South Germany and Vienna but appears to have fallen out of favour within ten years.  Always highly prized and expensive to make, surviving original examples are mostly held in public collections and rarely appear for sale.

Clocks of this complexity were, even at their date of manufacture, rare and important examples of the mechanical arts. The combination of mathematical and practical skills of their German makers exceeded the abilities of crafstmen in any other country.  They may be regarded as a demonstration of the intellectual ability of their makers following on from the demands of their patrons who sought the novelty of a mechanical aide-memoire for religious purposes.  The inclusion of the sundial was essential to the use of the clock which, by reason of indifferent timekeeping, needed daily correction against the sun.