A rare walnut chiming table clock, John Ellicott, London

7-inch dial with rococo spandrels, signed John Ellicott, London, matted centre with date aperture, strike/silent dial in the arch, three train fusee and chain movement with six knopped pillars, one pillar removed, later anchor escapement, chiming the quarters on a nest of eight bells and striking on a further bell, foliate engraved backplate signed as the dial, the case with inverted bell top and brass carrying handle, finely cast and chased rococo front door frets, moulded base

Dial is dirty and rings would benefit from re-silvering, two scratches to the matting between centre and VIII and centre and XI/XII, hands collet and pin have been glued. Movement has later conversion to anchor escapement which also removed one pillar, bell stand badly repaired and mis-aligned, one bell cracked and poorly soldered, trip repeat lever lacking, much in need of a clean throughout, some old surface rusting to steelwork. Case is in unrestored condition, cracks to front a rear glass panels, finials lacking, old scuffs, marks, minor losses and old repairs throughout. With a pendulum but no winder or 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.

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 Ellicott, one of the most famous 18th Century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died in 1733. He worked at 17 Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange between 1728 and his death in 1772. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a councillor for three years.  He later became clockmaker to King George III and made many fine and unusual clocks.