A Charles II walnut marquetry month-going longcase clock, John Norcott, London, circa 1685

11-inch dial with floral winged cherub spandrels, signed along the lower edge Johannes Norcott Londini, skeletonised chapter ring, finely matted centre with subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture, the movement with five latched, knopped and ringed pillars, reversed five wheel trains, anchor escapement with bolt and shutter maintaining power, small external locking plate striking on a bell, the case with flat top moulded cornice and carved cresting with brass finial, pierced frieze fret and spiral hood pilasters to the rising hood, the rectangular trunk door with lenticle and inlaid with panels of finely drawn bird and flower marquetry, the sides divided into panels with boxwood stringing, the similarly inlaid plinth on ebonised bun feet

Anthony Woodburn at Grosvenor House Fair 1989

Dial in good condition. Movement is complete but very much in need of a clean and fresh oil., appears to retain the original wheelwork throughout, bolt & shutter maintaining power reinstated. Case in good clean restored condition, frieze fret replaced, seatboard replaced, bun feet replaced, other old minor marks and repairs. With pendulum, two brass-cased weights & 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."

John Norcott paid quarterage to the Clockmakers' Company from 1672 but was not admitted as a Freeman until 1681. His work is always of fine quality and he was one of very few late 17th century makers to have supplied clocks with skeletonised chapter rings. This elegant refinement was very much more expensive and complicated to produce than a conventional dial and chapter ring and was occasionally used by the important maker Joseph Knibb on some of his finest clocks. It is very rarely seen on clocks by other makers.

An almost identical dial on another month-going clock by Norcott but in a plain walnut case was sold by Bonhams, London, 13th December 2005, Lot 153; and again by Christies, London, 25th March 2010, Lot 82.