Anon

A gilt-metal and ivory watch made in the form of a book in 17th century style 19th century

No reserve

No Reserves

Lot Closed

September 16, 03:19 PM GMT

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Masterworks of Time Collection

Anon

A gilt-metal and ivory watch made in the form of a book in 17th century style

19th century

• Movement: gilded rectangular movement, verge escapement, decoratively engraved balance cock, plain flat three-arm balance with short hair-spring, fusee and chain, flat backed baluster pillars

• Dial: gilded rectangular, engraved with a sun pointing to the hours in an aperture above, a crescent moon engraved to the base of the dial, aperture for winding

• Case: gilded in the form of a book, the front engraved with a female figure carrying an hour glass, a putti at her feet, the back with the figure of Hermes, each within a landscape setting and surrounded by engraved scrolling framework, the corners engraved with foliage and birds, the left case side in the form of a book spine and bearing the signature Reichardt Ledertz in Strasburg, 1641, inside of the lid engraved with panels showing a vase of flowers, two birds and two cornucopia of fruit, stained ivory simulating the page edges

length 52.5mm, width 44mm

IVORY: This lot contains ivory. Due to recent changes in the laws of many countries (e.g. US, France) Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict the import of elephant ivory and prohibit the import of African elephant ivory. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Sotheby's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

Both Loomes and Tardy list a Richard Ledertz as active in Strasbourg c. 1630 and it would therefore seem likely that the 19th century maker of this piece chose to sign it with the name of a known 17th century maker.