Lot 50
  • 50

A George III brass-mounted ebonised table clock, William Smith, London, circa 1775

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Ebonised fruitwood, brass, steel, glass
  • 49cm. 19¼in. high
7-inch dial with rococo spandrels, matted centre with date and mock pendulum apertures, signed on a plaque Wm Smith, London, strike/silent dial in the arch, five pillar fusee movement with verge escapement, trip repeat striking on a bell, the backplate engraved with rococo chinoiseries, the case with bell top, brass mouldings and mounts 

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of the Duke of Trachenberg, Prince of Hatzfeldt of Trachenberg Castle in Silesia,

Thence by descent.

Condition

Dial would benefit from cleaning and re-silvering to rings and plaque. Movement is complete and running at cataloguing but is very dirty and needs clean and service, some old repairs/alterations. Case and mounts are dirty, finials lacking, ebonised surfaces very rubbed, no gilding to mounts, old scuffs, minor cracks, marks and losses throughout. With a winder but no case key. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."