A fine black japanned longcase clock, John Ellicott, London, circa 1735

12-inch dial with mask and scroll spandrels, matted centre with seconds dial, date aperture and signed on a silvered plaque John Ellicott, London, strike/silent dial in the arch, five pillar movement with anchor escapement and rack and bell striking, the case with brass flambeau finials and domed caddy cresting above moulded broken-arch cresting and verre eglomise glass panels, gilt hood pillars, broken-arch trunk door, the plinth with mouded double stepped base, the door and plinth decorated in gilt and red with finely drawn chinoiseries

The Duke of Osuna by descent to the Marqués de Monteflorido and thence by descent to the current owner.

Dial is very dirty and would benefit from re-silvering and waxing, original hands but hour hand is repaired, later slot for altering date. Movement is complete and appears to retain the original wheel trains throughout but is very dirty and will require clean and service. Case in un-restored condition, side pieces to top of cresting replaced, verre eglomise panels are possibly later and replacing frets, some bowing distortion to the trunk door and horizontal cracks to the plinth , some losses to plinth decoration, other old scuffs, marks, cracks and minor losses throughout. With pendulum, 2 weights, winder and 2 case keys
"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."

John Ellicott, one of the most famous 18th century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died in 1733. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a Councillor for three years. Later he became clockmaker to King George III and made many fine and unusual clocks; he is probably best remembered for the invention of a compensated pendulum in 1752 which bears his name. John Ellicott died in 1772.