A rare silver-mounted turtleshell quarter chiming table clock, Edward Tomlin/Hester Bateman, London, 1786

4-inch enamel dial set on a dark blue enamel surround with gilt borders, the arch decorated in gilt with martial trophies, the six pillar three train movement with chain fusees for the striking and chiming trains, the going train later re-trained with going barrel and lever platform escapement, striking on a bell, quarter chiming on a nest of eight bells, signed on the foliate engraved backplate Tomlin, London, stamped on the frontplate and rear of the dial THWAITES 296, the arched case with concave-sided cresting, veneered with red shell and applied with silver scroll mounts and paw feet, the mounts by Hester Bateman and with hallmarks for London 1786

Dial in good condition, dial surround has damage to the enamel at upper and lower left sides. Movement needs a clean; going train barrel and fusee replaced with going barrel and completely re-trained to a modern lever platform escapement, cut-out to upper centre of backplate for planting of the later platform, formerly with trip repeating, movement supporting brackets now missing. Case has old cracks and minor losses to the shell throughout, both sides faded by sunlight, mounts in good condition but would benefit from cleaning, brass base to case stamped 295. No case keys or winders.
"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."

Edward Tomlin is recorded as working at the Royal Exchange, London between 1768 and 1798.

Hester Bateman (1708-1794) was a London silversmith, famous for having carried on her husband's business after his death in 1760.  With her sons, Jonathan and Peter, she built up a very successful business at 107 Bunhill Row producing a large range of wares and specialising in the neo-classical style as evidenced here in the side frets of this clock. She retired in 1790 and died in 1794.