A Dutch mahogany inlaid musical longcase clock with automaton, Andriese late 18th century

33-cm engraved silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals signed Klaas Joh.s Andriese A Grouw 1692, foliate pierced hands and subsidiary seconds, apertures for date, day, month and moonphase, lever for tune selection to the right, painted scene showing a small Dutch town with an automaton of two fishermen, two windmills and a clock tower, all connected to the anchor movement with trip repeating Dutch half hour striking on two alternating bells, 18-cm cylinder playing seven times two tunes with 29 hammers on 15 bells as listed on an engraved silvered plaque on the inside of the door of the mahogany case with concave top and architectural pediment surmounted by an atlas, Chronos and two angels, glazed door with brass capped columns, trunk with full fluted columns with brass Corinthian capitals, long door with geometrical inlay, similar inlay to the moulded bombed base, raised on claw feet

chapter ring tarnished with some rubbed parts of the silvering, the date 1692 is puzzling because it is too early for the clock and might be an engraving mistake, subsidiary seconds ring dito, hands good, painted scene dirty but in original condition, clock in tower driven by the movement, fishermen by the going train, windmills by the striking train, movement able to function but the automaton might need some adjustment, musical mechanism with two repaired bells and probable three replaced ones, musical mechanism might need some attention, case in original dirty condition, some cracks due to age and wear in the hood and the front door, trunk a little pale at the sides of the base, together with four statues, three weights, a pendulum and a doorkey
"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."

Klaas Johannes Andries(s)e son of clockmaker Johannes Andriesse was born in 1761. He married in 1782 and worked in Grouw. In 1787 he was recorded for making the clock for a council room in Friesland. Morpurgo, Nederlandse Klokken- en Horlogemakers vanaf 1300, pp. 3, Zeeman, De Nederlandse Staande Klok, pp.459.