An important and rare quarter striking and musical automaton ormolu table clock, William Carpenter, London, circa 1780 and later

4¼-inch enamel dial with centre seconds, flanked by subsidiary dials for strike/silent and tune selection, all set on a circular surround painted with a rural scene and with automaton figures in 18th Century dress crossing a bridge above a simulated stream, the massive three train fusee circular movement signed on the backplate Willm Carpenter, London and engraved with foliate scrolls, with five knopped pillars, inverted verge escapement with later silk suspension, striking the hours and quarters on two bells, playing one of six tunes at every hour on a carillon of ten bells and driving the automaton features, the drum case with paste-set bezel surmounted by cagework and paste-set urn flanked by two paste-set revolving trees, the sides embellished with foliate mounts, supported by metamorphic caryatids raised on a later French gilt-brass breakfront plinth inset with a Sevres-style painted porcelain plaque depicting a putto, on a further giltwood base

The time dial with feint hair cracks, strike/silent and selections dials in good condition. Some retouching to painted dial plate. Movement is much in need of a clean a service and is not currently in working condition, it will require complete service and overhaul together with repairs, crutch broken, music and automaton features will just run, originally fusee and chain but now with lines. The case with later French base and associated alterations, some losses to the pastes. WIth pendulum and a winder.
"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."

William Carpenter worked at various address in Soho from 1770;  he specialised in making elaborate musical, chiming and automaton clocks, some of which were destined for the Eastern market. In 1817 he retired to Hoxton. This clock shows many similarities to a clock by the same maker in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London although that example retains the original base.