A magnificent ormolu musical, automaton and quarter striking table clock in the manner of James Cox, English, circa 1775

4-inch enamel dial with centre seconds the single train circular fusee and chain timepiece movement with verge escapement mounted above and connected to a large three train fusee and chain movement for the hours, quarters, music and automaton features, the music released at every hour or at will and playing one of four tunes on nine bells, the backplate engraved with foliate sprays around a basket of flowers, the highly elaborate case surmounted by an oval mirror above a seated female figure striking the hour bell mounted within a canopy, the dial flanked by two turbanned figures striking the quarters on bells mounted in further canopies supported by palm stems, the central bombé section with glazed doors opening to reveal a parade of 18th Century figures crossing a bridge before a waterfall while swans and boats pass by below, at the same time three trees revolve on the upper section accompanied by two further turbaned figures holding scimitars, the whole raised on boldly cast winged gryphons standing on rocaille feet, the sides with flambeau frets, the corners applied with ribbon-tied trophies flanked by caryatids, the rear with mirrored doors, stepped ebonised base applied with gilt mounts

In generally good original condition, the various movement reasonably clean and in running order. Timepiece movement with 19th Century alteration to spring suspension. A number of old repairs to the case, some fixing screws lacking. With a winder and tune change key.
"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."

Many of these complicated musical and automaton clocks, made for export to the Far East, are not signed; during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) it was forbidden for makers to sign their products and this has proved to be a great frustration to researchers attempting to discover who actually made the wonderful clocks that were intended for export to China. It has become standard practise to attribute unsigned clocks to James Cox, and indeed some of the unsigned clocks may have been commissioned by Cox as he was a prolific supplier of such clocks, but on the evidence of the Catalogue of Clocks and Watches in the Palace Museum, Peiping, compiled by Simon Harcourt-Smith in 1933, it seems that several English maker's supplied clocks of this type and ignored the ruling that clocks should not be signed. Notable amongst them are Barbot, William Carpenter, Robert Fleetwood, George Higginson, John Marriott, John Vale and Timothy Williamson.