Thomas Tompion No. 48: An important ebony quarter repeating table timepiece, London

6¼-inch latched dial signed Tho: Tompion Londini fecit, with cherub spandrels, unsual silver champlevé chapter ring, finely matted centre and well pierced hands, the similarly signed fusee movement with six ring-turned knopped latched pillars, re-instated verge escapement, Tompion's repeating work mounted on the front plate, striking on two bells, the large backplate mounted with the repeating lever operated from either side and cut for the hour bell, well engraved with tulips and scrolling leaves, signed Tho Tompion Londini Fecit, the domed case with gilt-brass carrying handle and applied finely cast and chased frets, the door with similar fret, escutcheon and lower door mount, the moulded base with bun feet, the front door cill stamped 48

Sold in these rooms 7th July 1967 and again 22nd May 1972, Lot 85.

We would like to thank Mr Jeremy Evans for his help in cataloguing this clock.

Illustrated Tardy, La Pendule Francaise, 4th Ed. Vol III, Plate 625 

Original minute hand repaired, fine scratch on matting betwen the centre and VII, chapter ring needs a clean, the reverse of the dial plate has four spare holes indicating that an ordinary chapter ring was fitted originally, the present ring probably fitted to a specific order from Tompion's client. The movement in generally good original condition, with re-instated verge escapement, the reverse of the hour wheel inscribed R. Hinton, escapement restored, 1949. The case with original gilding to mounts, one escutcheon lacking, small piece lacking from lower door mount, seat board and back door cut to accomodate the pendulum from the earlier conversion. With case key, tulip winder and a further 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."

Thomas Tompion, the geatest of English clockmakers, was born at Ickwell Green, Bedfordshire in 1639. He became a Free Brother of the Clockmakers' Company in September 1671 and served as Master in 1703. In 1674 he occupied premises at the sign of The Dial and Three Crowns, at the corner of Fleet Street and Water Lane and continued his successful business at this address until his death in November 1713.  Between 1680 and 1685 Tompion introduced a numbering system for his clocks and watches which was continued after his death by his successor, George Graham. This example, No. 48 is one of a number of quarter repeating timepieces recorded where only the case is numbered. The silver champlevé dial chapter ring is very unsual on a clock but very similar to Tompion watch dials and may well have been made to special order for Tompion's client.