A renaissance gilt-copper quarter striking automaton unicorn table clock, South German, circa 1590

the three train oval steel movement with verge and balance escapement, brass fusees and lipped barrels, striking on two bells, the ogee moulded plinth repousee and chased with strapwork and flowers and with shutters concealing the winding squares, the naturalistically modelled top inset with four dials for hours strike recording, quarters strike recording, regulation and time, chapter ring replaced and now with two hands, the whole surmounted by a well cast and chased figure of a unicorn with moving eyes connected to the escapement and opening his lower jaw with the hour striking,

This clock is illustrated and described in Klaus Maurice, Die Deutsche Räderuhr, p.49, No.295

Movement is complete and appears to run, in generally good condition but would benefit from a clean, some replaced wheelwork and old repairs, chapter ring replaced and conversion for minute hand, enamel lacking from quarters and hours dials. The case with good original gilding. With a 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 unicorn is a legendary animal that throughout the mediaeval and renaissance periods was believed to a real creature originating in India. Portrayed in the form of a horse or horse/goat with a long spiral horn, the unicorn was a strong animal, secretive in nature and extremely difficult to capture. Renowned as a symbol of purity and chastity, it was believed that only a virgin could tame a unicorn. This exquisite clock depicts the unicorn in fine detail and, whilst first appearing to be almost pure horse with a horn, the cloven hooves allude to the goat element of the story.

Some of the finest clocks of the late 16th Century were produced in South Germany, centred around Augsburg. This clock, though unsigned and without a town mark, is of fine quality and has an oval base with decoration typical of the area and period. During the last quarter of the 16th Century a fashion developed for novelty clocks incorporating automaton figures of exotic or mythological creatures such as camels, bears, lions, eagles and gryphons. The present clock appears to be the only recorded representation of a unicorn from that period and is a particularly elegant and fine example.