A good German Black Forest polychrome musical automaton wall clock

24-cm painted dial with Roman numerals and pierced hands, polychrome flowers and musical instruments above flanked by two pilasters, wood posted anchor movement with countwheel striking on a bell, playing one of eight tunes listed on the inside of the left door signed 'Josef Schuhmacher Furtwangen' with a 31-cm cylinder on 21 wood pipes, with connection to the two birds making them  turn and move their beaks under a break arch canopy, on a later bracket, lacking pendulum and weights

dial in original dirty condition with a few minor chips and scratches to the polychrome surface due to age and wear, hands a little corroded but fine, movement able to function but very dirty and in need of a clean, musical mechanism playing very well and in good condition, case a little dirty, tune list/ signature label distressed, back panel with repair dates from 1836 on, together with a later wall bracket, lacking weights and pendulum
"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."

Josef Schumacher nicknamed "Schwäbli" was a renowned maker of Organ clocks recorded working circa 1800. Jürgen Abeler, Meister der Uhrmacherkunst, Wuppertal, 1977, p. 574.