A French Empire gilt and painted projection timepiece, Bofenschen circa 1810

5.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued hands signed Bofenschen à Paris, power reserve subsidiary, fusee and chain movement with verge escapement and plain balance, backplate with concave engraved silvered dial lit by a spirit lamp for projection through magnifying lense at the back of the urn shaped case, surmounted by a pierced gallery and finial, lion masks to the sides, the square base with foliate scrolls and claw feet mounted on a square plinth

dial damaged, chip near IV and VIII with various hairline cracks, front glass lacking, movement able to function but in need of a clean, case with some restoration to the painting, gilding in good condition, gilt decoration at the body of the urn with a little rubbing, no accessories
"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."

Bofenschein is recorded working in Paris from 1780 up until 1813. This clock is a good example of the night clocks for which he was known. He also worked for Abraham-Louis Breguet. Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, pp. 62.