A large bronze-mounted tortoiseshell boulle bracket clock, Goret, Paris, circa 1725

12-inch twenty-five piece enamel cartouche dial signed Goret A Paris, bell striking movement with later anchor escapement and steel suspension, numbered outside count wheel, signed on the backplate as the dial, the waisted case surmounted by a seated female figure, a further figure with a putto to the lower door edge, with female bust feet, on a conforming bracket

Chiswick House Inventory, 1811, possibly the French Clock recorded in the Blue Velvet Room;
Chiswick House Inventory, 1869, p. 32 in the East Ante Room A Buhl Clock on Bracket
Chiswick House Inventory, 1892, p. 37 the Buhl Clock in the East Saloon

Dial has cracks to 60 minute plaque and chips to 15 and 20, hair crack to VI and cenre with further chips aroundthe winding holes. Movement is complete but much in need of a clean, escapement converted to anchor and suspension converted to steel spring. Case is very dirty, some areas of lifting or missing inlay particularly to the sides, all mounts are dirty, left side glass lacking, bracket has old repairs, lifting or missing inlay throughout. With a pendulum and winder but no case key.
"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."

This clock can be seen hanging within the arch in the watercolour by William Henry Hunt dated 1822 of the Gallery at Chiswick;
Photographed in the same position at Chiswick in the late 19^th century.

PROVENANCE:

First recorded in the collection of William, 5th Duke of Devonshire, at Chiswick although possibly aqquired earlier by either the 2nd Duke of Devonshire or even the 3rd Earl of Burlington.