Justin Vulliamy No.165. A mahogany longcase clock, London, circa 1785

12-inch engraved dial with subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture, signed Just Vulliamy, London, strike/silent lever at XII, the movement with five knopped pillars and rack striking on a bell, later deadbeat escapement with jewelled pallets, numbered along the upper edge of the backplate 165, the pendulum with diamond-profile wood rod and substantial lenticular bob with graduated rating nut, the case with architectural cresting above brass-capped stop fluted hood pillars, the rectangular trunk door flanked by conforming pilasters, panelled plinth with stepped base; together with the original numbered winder

PROPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD INSPECT IN PERSON. In completely unrestored condition throughout. Dial is extremely dirty and lacks almost all silvering, good original hands. Movement is extremely dirty but complete, escape wheel replaced, pallets replaced, strike lift arm repaired, otherwise complete and original, it will require complete service and overhaul. Case cresting has been detached, some losses to mouldings, hood pillar caps loose and rear right upper cap missing, losses to dial mask, minor crack to upper left side of trunk, losses to trunk door mouldings, veneer losses to plinth and base, the whole case is very dirty and with old scuffs and marks throughout. With pendulum (wood rod repaired), two brass-cased weights, numbered winder and two case keys.
"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."

Francois Justin Vulliamy (c.1712-1797) was the first member of the famous family to receive a reputation for excellence in Britain. He came from Switzerland in circa 1730 and formed a partnership with Benjamin Gray whose daughter he married in 1746. In 1742 George II granted Gray a Royal Warrant and after his death, in 1764, it passed to Vulliamy, remaining with his family for three generation until 1854. During the 1780s Justin and his son Benjamin began a numbering system for their clocks but, to date, the earliest numbers recorded have been in the 160s. Nos. 169 and 172 are mahogany longcase clocks with architectural pediments, and the earliest positively dated clock is 166 of 1787. No. 167 is also dated 1787 and is a magnificent musical pedestal clock sold to the Duke of Northumberland and now at Syon House.

Previously unrecorded, No. 165 is therefore one of the earliest numbered Vulliamy clocks and it is particularly unusual for the numbered original winder to have remained with the clock. Apart from the conversion to the escapement, it has survived in remarkably original condition and is eminently worthy of sensitive restoration.

Sotheby's would like to thank Roger Smith for his help in cataloguing this clock.