A gilt-metal quarter striking astronomical table clock, Augsburg, circa 1600

4¼-inch principal dial with silvered chapter ring numbered I-XII twice and enclosing an astrolabe with named stars and zodiac ring, engraved reversible typanum for latitudes 45 and 48 degrees, dragon hand, two small subsidiary dials above for twelve/twenty four hour striking and regulation, the lower corners with larger dials for Dominical letter and Epact number and alarm setting and indication, the opposite side with 4¾-inch reversible calendar ring engraved with saints for every day of the year and enclosing a minute ring , hour dial engraved I-IIX twice and, at the centre, shutters indicating day length hand-set subsidiary dials to the upper corners, on the lower corners dials for day of the week and position of the sun within the zodiac, the sides with dials recording the hour and quarter striking, all subsidiary dials silvered and with polychrome enamel decoration, the gilt-brass posted three train fusee movement with re-instated verge and balance wheel escapement, striking on two bells and with alarm acting on the larger bell, a further later striking train mounted within the base, the case surmounted by an eagle, obelisk and turned finials above a pierced gallery containing the bells, the front and sides with foliate decoration above hunting scenes, the interior with the Augsburg pineapple mark to both sides, the moulded flared base with later turned feet

Emil Weinberger, Vienna (his sale: Wawra, Vienna, 1929);
A.S. Drey, Munich (acquired at the above sale; their forced sale: Paul Graupe, Berlin, 17^th-18^th June 1936, lot 187, illustrated in the catalogue);
Dr. Eugen Gschwind, Basel;
Joseph Fremersdorf, Lucerne;
Landesmuseum Württemberg, Stuttgart (acquired from the above in 1973);
Restituted to the A.S. Drey heirs in 2012

Ernst von Basserman-Jordan, The Book of Old Clocks and Watches, 1964, Pg. 82, Fig.54
Richard Mühe & Horand M Vogel, Alte Uhren, pg. 58
Klaus Maurice, Die Deutsche Räderuhr, Part II, Item 194 a & b
Andrea Schaller, Württembergisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart, Prunkuhren der Renaissance, Item 8, pgs.43-45

Good original gilding throughout. Silvering to dials could be refreshed. All movements appear complete but need a clean and service before they will run, fusee line to plinth movement broken. Hand lacking to one subsidiary dial. No 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."

The European portable clock was not invented but developed as a progression from late medieval weight-driven domestic wall clocks. Likewise, the art of clockmaking developed from other trades such as that of blacksmith and locksmith and, in the sixteenth Century was finally recognised as a craft in its own right. The creation of clockmaking guilds in South Germany protected the interests of clockmakers and drove the quality of workmanship to hitherto unseen levels of finesse.

Whilst the region encompassing Vienna in the east to Munich and Nuremburg in the west dominated domestic clockmaking in the sixteenth Century, the town of Augsburg itself dominated that region. The Augsburg Clockmakers' Guild strictly controlled the making of clocks and the makers themselves. Demanding the creation of a complicated masterpiece before a permission to work independently was granted, the Guild inadvertently created a market for clocks which were both highly complicated but also highly decorative.

This clock, though unsigned, is a particularly fine example and includes all of the qualities required for a masterpiece clock in both complications and decoration. The attention to detail in the decorative steelwork within the movement, seen only by those accessing the interior of the case, is just one example of the supreme level of craftsmanship achieved at this early date. Examples of clocks with very similar cases can be seen in the Science Museum, London and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.