A William and Mary inlaid walnut longcase clock, Thomas Tompion London, circa 1690

six-pillar two train movement with anchor escapement striking on the hour.  The dial signed Tho: Tompion Londini Fecit.

Most probably gifted to Erika Kate Leuchtag from the King of Nepal, Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah
With de Havilland (antiques) ltd. (1984)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The present longcase clock most probably was gifted by the King of Nepal to Erika Kate Leuchtag for her royal service.  Ms. Leuchtag first served as a masseuse to the Senior Queen in March of 1949, then as physical therapist and dancing instructor to King Tribhuvan.  The King and Ms. Leuchtag increasingly grew intimate as political unrest built in Nepal.  According to her own account, Ms. Leuchtag played a pivotal role in the royalist coup of Nepal’s Rana family, who had ruled through hereditary offices since 1846.

Ms. Leuchtag compiled her memoirs after the King’s untimely death in 1955.  The subsequent book, Erika and the King (New York: Coward-McCann, 1958), in many ways resembled the 1944 novel Anna and the King, and provoked comparisons between Ms. Leuchtag and Anna Leonowens.  Literary critics of the period widely remarked at Ms. Leuchtag’s romantic impulsivity, and her unusual devotion to the royal family.  Ms. Leuchtag likely received the present lot as a memorial token from the King, after his successful restoration in 1951.

The mechanism appears to be in good condition; the dial with well cast and chased spandrels, some very minor surface scratches to chapter ring; hands appear to be original; base of Roman Numeral XII with a pin which has receded slightly; the mechanism is not numbered; the seat board has brown patination and possibly paint, and is possibly replaced; we strongly suggest that one ask a clock restorer to examine the mechanism as Sotheby's does not guarantee clock movements; however, it appears to be authentic and complete; the case most probably associated to the clock; the backboard with a thin age crack running from top to base of approximately 18 inches in length, back edges of backboard to upper section with replacements; the hood in good condition; cresting is probably later; with minor areas of lifting to cross-banding; interior of the hood with old worn damage and losses to an interior back edge; the case with minor warpage to the door; the molding beneath the hood and to the top of the stem possibly replaced and with small losses; bun feet possibly replaced; some minor lifting to some veneers in some places.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.