Thomas Mudge & William Dutton

12-inch dial with double-screwed rococo scroll and flower spandrels, signed Thos. Mudge, Willm. Dutton, London, seconds dial and date aperture, strike/silent dial in the arch, the substantial rack and bell striking movement with five knopped pillars, anchor escapement with long crutch and roller suspension to the pendulum with heavy lenticular bob and graduated regulation nut, the well figured case with concave-sided cresting and brass ball finial above broken-arch moulded cornice and fluted canted hood corners, broken-arch trunk door and panelled plinth with block feet

Dial in generally good condition, silvering a little dirty, good original gilding to spandrels. Movement is complete and retains the original wheelwork throughout, not in running condition as the striking train has a broken rear pivot to the warning wheel and the whole movement is otherwise much in need of a clean. Case in generally good condition, glass to hood door cracked, minor cracks to top of cornice, small veneer loss to top right front of plinth. With pendulum, 2 brass-cased weights, winder and 2 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."

Thomas Mudge (1715-1794) was born in Devon and at the age of fourteen was sent to London and apprenticed to George Graham, successor of Thomas Tompion. He was Free of the Clockmakers' Company from 1738 following which he set up his own business close to Graham in Fleet Street. In 1750 Mudge was joined in business by William Dutton who had also been apprenticed to Graham and was Freed in 1746. Initially their clocks continued to be signed as Thomas Mudge but by the 1760's this was changed to Mudge & Dutton. Thomas Mudge is regarded as one of England's most important makers and is best known for his skills as a chronometer maker but is also renowned for his fine longcase clocks which were made in partnership with Dutton. In 1771 Mudge moved to Plymouth where he continued to work on perfecting his marine chronometers. William Dutton succeeded to the London business with his sons Matthew and Thomas.