A gilt-bronze mounted Meissen porcelain timepiece Louis XV / XVI Transitional

the timepiece movement above a Meissen porcelain figure, probably modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, as Harlequin playing his bagpipes, wearing a striped and puce jacket and yellow and pale green breeches, among gilt-bronze branches applied with porcelain flowerheads, on a base cast with oak-leaf garlands and scrolls, timepeice and surmount associated, the timepiece backplate engraved 'Johnson London n. 954'

Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire (acquired in the 1960's)

Harlequin's nose tip chipped, lower part of pipe missing, some flowers with typical chips to extremities
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."