A large gilt-mounted turtleshell musical table clock for the Turkish market, the case English, late 18th Century; the movements French 20th Century

10-inch dial profusely decorated with gilt musical and martial spandrels and mounts, enamelled numerals and plaque in the arch, the associated and later movement quarter striking on two bells and releasing a pinned cylinder musical movement playing a selection of airs at the hour, the case veneered with brown shell and with gadrooned top and urn finial above foliate and floral dome, flower trellis side frets, further finials to the canted corners, raised on scroll feet

Dial and case in generally good condition, mounts re-gilded, some repairs to veneers and mouldings. Movement is complete and appears to run at time of cataloguing but would benefit from a clean, pendulum suspension broken. With pendulum, 2 winders 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."

This interesting and very decorative clock appears to have been adapted in the early 20th century. The plaque in the arch of the dial bears the tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid II and an arabic inscription in thuluth script: Dua al-Sultan sabab al-Ghufran. (The Prayer of the Sultan is reason for divine mercy). Beneath the plaque is inscribed a couplet in Turkish, in thuluth script: Saat-i vahidedir omr-i cihan - Saati taate sarf eyle heman. (Life is as short as one hour - Spend that one hour in the service (of God) ).

Abdul Hamid II, (1842-1918) was 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1876 until 1909. It is possible that this clock may have been a gift of the Sultan.