Lot 49
  • 49

A George I walnut marquetry month-going longcase clock, Charles Clay, London, circa 1720

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Walnut, ebony, oak, brass, steel, glass
  • 272cm. 8ft. 11in. high
12-inch dial with Indian mask and scroll spandrels, matted centre with subsidiary seconds dial, apertures for date and month, signed on a silvered plaque Charles Clay, London, the movement with five knopped pillars, anchor escapement, five wheel trains, striking on a bell, the case with caddy cresting and flambeau finials above foliate frieze frets and brass-capped hood pilasters, the trunk with foliate carved silvered corbels to the upper corners, the rectangular trunk door inset with a lenticle and inlaid with bird and arabesque scrolls, the sides crossbanded and divided into panels, the plinth similarly inlaid

Condition

PROPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO INSPECT IN PERSON. Dial in good condition. Movement is complete and appears to retain the original wheel work throughout. Case finials probably replaced, some minor cracks and old repairs to the hood, trunk door has extensive old damage, top and bottom cross panels are loose, extensive losses to edge mouldings, plinth right side moulding loose, horizontal cracks to plinth, other old losses, cracks, scuffs and marks throughout. With pendulum, 2 brass-cased weights, no case keys or 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."

Catalogue Note

Charles Clay was born in Yorkshire but was established as a clockmaker in London by 1716. An innovative maker, he is particularly known for his musical organ clocks, examples of which can be found in the British Royal Collection at Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle. He was clockmaker to his majesty's board of works between 1723 and his death in 1740.