An Austrian Biedermeier ebonized and gilt quarter striking musical mantel clock with automaton, Aloys Rechel

10.5-cm ornate relief dial with Arabic numerals signed Aloys Rechel in Wien, lacking hands, anchor movement with silk suspended pendulum, rack quarter striking on two gongs, ebonized case surmounted by broken pediment with mother-of-pearl lions, supported by two gilt caryatids, central section with a painted landscape with an automaton driven by a seperate mechanism of revolving glass rods imitating a waterfall and a stream running to a watermill, the rectangular base containing a musical mechanism marked L.F.G. playing one of eight melodies with a 15-cm cylinder on a comb, the whole raised on bun feet 

dial in dirty original condition, central part is gilt and should be cleaned, signature and a few numerals partly rubbed, front glass and hands lacking, two of the three screws holding the movement are lacking, movement able to function but in need of a complete overhaul, repeating lever and stopwork removed, case in original dirty condition, painted scene with a minor scratches and dirty but in overall fair condition, automaton able to function only wires connecting the parts lacking, the mechanism itself working fine, the scene and automaton form a whole which needs to fastened to case again (easy), independent musical mechanism able to function but dirty and whistling a bit, needs to cleaned and adjusted, together with a pendulum and two winders
"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."