An Ottoman silver, nielloed and engraved globe clock bearing the tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid II (r. 1876-1909), Turkey, 19th century

comprising a silver terrestial globe with engraved and nielloed inscriptions outlining landmarks and cities, engraved with numerals of meridian lines, set in a foliate crescent shaped mount with a gilt peacock finial with mechanical key for winding, movement of clock assembled in drum casing under globe, on a tripod stand with compass on a frame designed as architect's tools (compass and ruler), the circular base featuring three medallions, one depicting the government palace (hükümet konağı), a landscape view of lake Van, and the Ottoman coat of arms with the tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid II (r.1876-1909)

In overall good condition, as viewed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

Clocks of fine workmanship such as the present example were produced in and around the Ottoman capital from the fifteenth century and continued to be particularly admired into the nineteenth century. In this period, the clock-maker Ahmet Eflaki Dede was even sent to Paris by the Ottoman court to continue to study this art and learn new skills (I. Akşit, Topkapi, Istanbul, 1986, p.70).

This unique silver globe clock stands out in its detailed and complex craftsmanship and may have been commissioned to be presented to Sultan Abdulhamid II as a special gift. A known group of such gifts, which included European and Russian silverware, dinner and tea sets and candlesticks that were presented to the Sultan on the occasion of his twenty-fifth regnal year are now in the Topkapi Palace Museum (ibid 1986, p.70).