Thomas Cole No.1457 50. A gilt-brass month-going tripod table regulator, London, circa 1860

5¾-inch silvered dial signed for the retailer C F Hancock, London, subsidiary seconds dial, the centre engraved with roses and strapwork, the movement with dead beat escapement and going barrel, the separately suspended pendulum with roller suspension and heavy spherical bob with beat plaque locking mechanism, the tripod support with plumb bob surmount, the circular base engraved with foliate scrolls and set with an aneroid barometer sector and a mercury Fahrenheit thermometer; with a glass dome 

Dial in very good clean condition. Movement is complete and running at time of cataloguing but is much in need of a clean and some fresh oil. Case in generally very good clean condition where protected by the glass dome, thermometer scale a little tarnished, lower plinth rather dirty. With the original winder/foot adjuster
"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."

Thomas Cole was born in 1800, two years after his brother James Ferguson Cole. Their father James Cole was a clockmaker in Somerset and it is likely that the two sons learnt their craft from their father. The family moved from Somerset in 1813 and little is known of them until 1821 when James Ferguson Cole set up business in London. In 1823 his brother Thomas joined him and they formed a partnership which lasted until about 1829, after which they went their separate ways. Thomas Cole is next recorded working as a watchmaker at Bloomsbury in 1838 where he stayed until at least 1841. It is from this period that he seems to have started to design and make the distinctive high quality clocks for which he is now best remembered. He died in 1864.