JOH. JACOB KOTTE, FRANKFURT | AN UNUSUAL SILVER PAIR CASED REPOUSSE VERGE WATCH WITH APERTURE FOR TIME INDICATIONCIRCA 1710

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with foliage and a winged cherub's head, broad foot similarly decorated, plain flat balance, silver regulation disc, tulip pillars, fusee and chain, signed Joh. Jacob Kotte ffurt• Dial: aperture for time indication with silver rotating disc displaying Roman hour numerals and quarter hour divisions, high relief chased and engraved hunting scene shown within a forest with a townscape in the distance• Cases: plain silver inner, split bezel for glass retention, winding aperture to back, later stirrup pendant and bow • outer case chased and engraved with hunting trophies, a pair of hounds to the centre, the bezels chased and engraved with scrolling foliage, square hinge

Dial: With signs of repair and some breakages especially to the finer parts such as the dog's legs and the deer's antlers but the scene is still impressive in its appearance. Case: Inner case plain with slight depression to the band. Outer case worn and rubbed with some loss of definition to the decoration, also several small holes and splits, thumb piece is missing. Closure of covers a little loose. Movement: Running at time of cataloguing, plates with some scratches especially around the fixings for the dial plate.
"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."

Johann Jakob Kotte is listed in Jürgen Abeler, Meister der Uhrmacherkunst as working in Frankfurt between 1699 and 1721.  For a note on alternative dials, please see lot 41.