A very rare skeletonised longcase timepiece with minimal train and telescopic hands, Dutch, late 18th Century

the oval skeltonised chapter ring enclosed by three painted panels of putti within billowing clouds, double calibrated seconds sector below, the movement with inverted Y-shaped frame, the train with double-pinned single wheel for the minutes driving a reversing double-pinned seconds sector by means of two separate pallets, the conventional motionwork driving expanding and contracting hours and minutes hands, the drive from an endless rope passing over a pulley on the minute wheel and a ratchet wheel mounted on the reverse of the frame, the case with shaped hood and waisted trunk decorated in gilt with chinoiseries and with gilt outlines

Dial in good condition. Movement in good clean condition throughout and looks as though it would run, minute escapement wheel is replaced but we have the original. Case in good restored condition with refreshed decoration. With brass-cased weight, counter weight and sectional 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."

The movement and reversing seconds hand of this timepiece have clearly been influenced by the minimal train regulators of Jean Baptiste Lepaute and Pierre Le Roy from the mid-18th Century.  This example having an even more unusual form of pin wheel escapement and the added complication of telescopic hands.