A silver mounted turtleshell tabernacle clock, Jacob Mayr, Augsburg, circa 1700,

2-inch dial signed Mayr and with single hand and date aperture, the bell striking movement with baluster pillars, verge escapement and pierced and engraved striking gates, the foliate engraved backplate with numbered count wheel and signed Jacob Mayr, Augusta, set within a shaped pediment surmounted and flanked by recumbent figures above a cabinet with lion mask side handles and a pair of doors applied with oval convex panels within silver and paste set frames opening to reveal oval mirrors and eight drawers divided by a lapis lazuli pillar, the shaped plinth set with similar pastes and raised on shell and scroll feet,

Probably acquired by Sophia, Viscountess Dungannon, wife of Arthur Hill-Trevor, 3rd Viscount Dungannon and thence by descent.

Dial in very good condition, silver chapter ring is tarnished. Movement is complete and appears to retain the original wheelwork throughout, it would just run at cataloguing but is very much in need of a clean and service. Case is rather dirty; the turtleshell is in generally very good condition and of good colour with one or two very minor old repairs, mounts are in generally very good condition though rather dirty, some minor losses, some small mouldings lacking, two mounts detached but we have them, one frame mount lacking from right door, two inner drawers lacking mounts, inner lapis lazuli panel cracked and repaired, moulding to rear of case has minor damage, locks to top compartment and doors very stiff and requiring adjustment. With a winder and two door 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."

Jacob Mayr was born circa 1648. He worked in Augsbug as a watch and clock maker and became 'Meister' in 1672. He died in 1714. Clocks by Jacob Mayr may be found in the British Royal Collection and the collection of Duke Frederick II  von Saxon-Gotha-Altenburg.

Tabernacle or altar form clocks became popular in South Germany at the end of the 17th Century. So named because of their similarity to the cupboards used to store the consecrated holy sacrament in the Roman Catholic church. Augsburg was the hub of South German clockmaking in the 17th Century and, due to strict guild control, the home of some of the finest makers.  Equally famous for its silversmiths and jewellers, the present clock clearly demonstrates how these trades were able to work together to produce clocks that were not mere timekeepers but mechanical works of art.

This exquisite clock, with its champlevé chapter ring, finely cast and chased scrolls, stones and pastes all set on a red shell ground, is a perfect miniature example of late baroque decoration.

Arthur Hill-Trevor, 3rd Viscount Dungannon was born in London in 1798. In 1821 he married Sophia Irvine at Livorno, Italy. His career was spent as a Member of Parliament and political campaigner. Having travelled in Europe, the Viscountess developed a taste for fine French and Continental furniture acquiring a number of pieces for their London home and country estates.