John Ellicott. A fine walnut longcase clock, London, circa 1740

12-inch dial with rococo spandrels, signed John Ellicott, London, matted centre with seconds dial and date aperture, strike/silent dial in the arch, five pillar movement with rack and bell striking, the case with concave-sided cresting and moulded broken-arch cornice with panels of foliate fretwork, stop-fluted hood pillars, arched trunk door and conforming panelled plinth, the whole with well figured veneers of rich colour, crossbanded and inlaid with chevron stringing

Dial in good clean condition, spandrels are very fine but may not be original as other holes are present. Movement is complete and appears to retain the original wheel work throughout, it looks as though it would run but would benefit from a clean. Case in generally good condition, small piece of moulding lacking from front top left corner of cornice, old cracks and minor old repairs throughout. With pendulum, two brass-cased weights, 2 case keys and winder.
"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. He worked at Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange, London between 1728 and 1772. In 1760 his son Edward was taken into partnership and from this time the clocks were signed Ellicott without a forename until about 1769 when the usual signature became John Ellicott & Son. John Ellicott died in 1772.