Austrian

• the whole in the form of a functioning spinning wheel activated by the treadle, with silver comb, ebony spindle and pewter wheel • the organ, contained in an ormolu, mounted inlaid mahogany, rectangular case, operated by the treadle congruent with the spinning wheel, 24 pipes to the underside of the case

Ord-Hume, A. W. J. G., "A Musical Spinning Wheel" in Music & Automata, pp. 5 - 8.

The spinning wheel in good condition with light patina to the metal. Minimal wear to the edges on the wooden columns holding the wheel. Spinning wheel components are in good condition with wear to the edges and some breakage to the grain of the wood, notably where the rods enter the columns, restoration to the front finial. Gilt decorations in very good condition with minimal loss to definition. The base in very good condition with some wear, slight warping to the left side door. The feet with minor expected wear. The treadle in very good condition and the music functioning correctly.
"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 present lot is an exceptional example of an already exceedingly rare musical piece which is contained within a working spinning wheel. 

The origins of the present spinning wheel are of great interest. The spinning wheel is of a style from the late 18th century and has distinct cues of Austrian construction. Similar types of scales in fluteclocks were made in Austria and the present lot's scales fit perfectly within this range. 

Additionally, there is mention of what may possibly be the present lot in an account of the Esterházy Palace in Hungary, dated 1784. The actual construction of this spinning wheel is similar to other fluteclocks made by Pater Primitivus Niemetz, who was the chaplain and librarian to Prince Esterhazy of the Esterházy Palace. Niemetz was known to have built at least three flute clocks.

There are two similar examples of musical spinning wheels in the collection of the Stockholm Music Museum. Although not much information is available on these, their decoration is less elaborate; however the construction is extremely similar to the present lot.

Other musical spinning wheels of a conventional nature were made with utility in mind. The present lot breaks that trend with its elaborate decoration to the case: scroll work to the borders, brass floral mountings, fluted legs and a dark, rich finish.

The spinning wheel is activated by depressing the treadle which moves an attached rod to move a crank. The movement of the spinning wheel is translated via a shaft down through the lid and into the box itself which in turn activates the barrel. Inside the box is the barrel, the wind chest and the tune changing mechanism. Underneath the case lies the actual pipework. To the left of the case is a removable door with a hidden spring latch so one can remove the barrel and view the interior of the case. The barrel itself is interchangeable and is marked number 1, indicating that there may have been additional barrels at the time of its original construction. The barrel plays eight tunes, the first of which is a song specifically for spinning, followed by seven hymns. The tunes are selected via a small brass knob to the right of the case.

The present lot is certainly the finest musical spinning wheel to be offered publicly and would undoubtedly be a highlight of any collection.