An impressive Louis XIV-style gilt-mounted turtleshell clock and pedestal, French, circa 1850

8¾-inch twelve-piece enamel cartouche dial signed Helme A Paris, the early 18th Century movement similarly signed with numbered outside count wheel and altered anchor escapement, quarter repeating work removed, the case veneered with red shell, the domed cresting surmounted by a cockerel and further decorated with flower garlands and masks, the lower section with glazed concave sides, a plumed mask at the front, on winged term feet, resting on a similarly decorated plinth and raised on a tapered pedestal with foliate boulle inlay to the front and with similar mounts

This clock was a wedding gift from The Right Honourable The Earl of Rosebery, First Lord of the Treasury, to H J Tennant, Secretary of State to the Board of Trade on his marriage to May Abraham in 1896.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD INSPECT PERSONALY. Dial with chip to I and cracks to VII and VIII. Movement is reasonably clean and appears to run, escapement altered, lacking repeating work, evidence of alteration to signature. Case is very dirty with several detached pieces of brass, some damage to the inlay on the cresting, other damage, loose sections and minor losses throughout, case mounts with original uncleaned patination. Pedestal as the case. With pendulum, winder and 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."