A good and attractive Dutch burr walnut quarter striking longcase clock with ships automaton, J. Elias third quarter 18th century

31.5-cm engraved silvered chapter ring signed Joh.s Elias Amsterdam with foliate pierced border, foliate pierced hands, subsidiary seconds and apertures for date, day, month and moonphase, a polychrome painted theatrical opening below flanked by deities showing the ship automaton with connection to the going train of the anchor movement with trip repeating rack Dutch quarter striking on alternating bells, well made burr walnut veneered case, the bell top hood surmounted by a giltwood atlas and two angels throughout adorned with rare well engraved pierced brass frets, showing flowers, scrolls and personifications, break arch glazed door flanked by brass capped pilasters, the canted corners of the trunk adorned with foliate carving, long shaped door with chequered inlaid banding and Chronos lenticle, moulded bombed base with further chequered inlay, moulded plinth with further carving raised on claw feet

chapter ring and dial tarnished, painted surround with some spotting and chips, automaton possibly lacking one line of ships, background of the automaton with some imperfections to the painting, movement in working order but automaton needs to be adjusted, movement might benefit from a clean, alarm removed, case in original but very dirty condition, fabric behind frets distressed, some frets loose but all with the clock, engraving and detail of very good quality, trunk of the case a little dirty but made of quality wood, a few small cracks at the top of the door, small piece of inlaid bending of the base loose, small piece of carved plinth lacking, together with two weights, a pendulum, a winder, a doorkey and three statues
"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."

In the detail shown to the right, one can see the quality of the engraved pierced brass frets which are a very rare feature on these clocks.