A rare German Renaissance gilt brass 'Turmchenuhr' with caroussel automaton

5.2-cm engraved silvered chapter ring calibrated I-XII and 13-24, centre with lunar calendar and single hour hand, iron posted verge movement converted to front pendulum, going train with standing barrel, alarm on a bell, striking train with open spring and countwheel striking on the same bell with connection to the carrousel on top, warrior to one side and the Memento Mori window to the rear, case with an open cuppola of foliate scrolls and winged cherub masks surmounted by the figure of Mercury containing the carrousel of dancing figures, pierced gallery below flanked by turned finials, central section with classical corner pilasters, all sides with engraved panels of strapwork scrolls, the reverse with strike recording dial below the Memento Mori, alarm subsidiary to one side, the soldier automaton to the other, concave sided base with repoussé and engraved strapwork fruit and leaves on a moulded ebonized plinth

chapter ring tarnished and a little rubbed, lunar disc possibly replaced, movement able to function, going train with conversion from balance to front pendulum, old repairs to standing barrel, 3rd and 4th wheel replaced, striking appears to retain original wheelwork, alarm incomplete; lacking hammer, automatons working, carrousel now pivoted on the bell support but possible originally running on external runners, hard to tell if all figures are original, style, form and gilding look good, several old repairs to the cupola which slightly discoloured the gilding, case in good condition with the gilding of good colour, fire gilt and therefore hard to tell if regilt, old internal repairs to base, replaced ebonized plinth of good shape, no winder
"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."