An Austrian small carved walnut astronomical mantel timepiece with equation of time, perpetual calendar and planetarium, Johann Uberbacher, Brixen, circa 1850

the dials mounted on four matted gilt-brass plates and comprising: Plate I; mean time disc with equation of time inscribed Zeitgleichung and signed Joh. Überbacher, Brixen, Tirol, above a silvered and gilt zodiacal calendar with gilt-brass dragon engraved hand and central apertures for moon phase and lunar eclipses. Plate II; blue painted and silvered world time disc above silvered day and date subsidiary discs, silvered month and seasonal calendar, aperture for 4000 year digital calendar. Plate III; 24-hour chapter ring showing the hours of sunrise and sunset with gilt sun disc and silvered shutters, blue enamel centre to planetary dial below giving the orbital period of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, the hands with gilt symbols, engraved gilt sun. Plate IV; 24-hour disc, hand lacking, subsidiaries for the seven-year cycle of the ruling planets and leap year indication, ecclesiastical calendar giving the 19-year Metonic cycle of Gregorian epacts, 28-year solar cycle of Dominical letters and 15-year indication cycle of the Roman tax years. The timepiece movement with going barrel and pinwheel escapement, auxiliary barrel driving the subsidiary indications; the case with finely carved foliate scrolls and details, the simulated tiled roof surmounted by the planetarium with silvered and engraved celestial globe, gilt sun and silvered planets to Jupiter

Christies, New York, 28th April 1990, Lot 23
Christie's, London, 10 December 2009, lot 706

Dial in generally good condition though rather dirty, hand lacking from 24-hour dial, hair crack to enamel of planetary dial. Movement is complete but very much in need of a clean and service. Case joints rather loose and dry but otherwise in good condition, planetarium surmount is rather tarnished but otherwise good. No pendulum or winders.
"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."