A GEORGE III MAHOGANY SMALL LONGCASE REGULATOR, JOHN HOLMES, LONDON, CIRCA 1775 |

10¼-inch silvered dial with outer minute ring enclosing a subsidiary seconds dial with astronomer's marks, hours sector and signed Holmes, London, the substantial weight-driven movement with five knopped pillars, high count train, deadbeat escapement with steel escape wheel and jewelled pallets, Harrison's maintaining power, beat adjustment on the cranked crutch, the separately suspended pendulum with roller suspension, glass rod and heavy cylindrical bob with spherical graduated rating nut, the finely moulded case with flat top and reeded canted corners to the hood, rectangular trunk door and panelled plinth with moulded base

Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at Shottesbrooke Park, 1928, vol. I, Mr Smith's Sitting Room / Grandfather clock [sic] by Holmes in mahogany case'
 

Dial in good condition with a few very minor marks to the silvering. Movement is complete and retains the original wheel work throughout, it would benefit from a clean and fresh oil. Case in good clean condition with a few old minor scuffs and marks. With pendulum, brass-cased weight, two winders and two 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."

John Holmes (c.1728-1797), is believed to have been apprenticed to Henry Hindley of York in 1743. By 1754 he was working in London and appears to have taken over James Ivory's business in The Strand, London in 1762. A fine and innovative maker, Holmes was second cousin to John Smeaton, the civil engineer responsible for Eddystone lighthouse. The current regulator is of very fine quality throughout.  The case, for which Holmes is perhaps best known, is small, of wonderful proportions and has very fine mouldings. The use of a glass pendulum rod is extremely unusual and almost certainly experimental.