A walnut marquetry longcase clock, John Norcott, London, circa 1685

11-inch dial with floral winged cherub spandrels linked by foliate engraving, signed along the lower edge Johannes Norcott, Londini, skeletonised chapter ring, finely matted centre with subsidiary seconds dial and engraved date aperture, central rosette, the movement with five latched knopped and ringed pillars, anchor escapement with bolt and shutter maintaining power, outside count wheel striking on a bell, the associated case with flat top moulded cornice and spiral hood pilasters, rectangular trunk door inlaid with bird and flower marquetry, glazed lenticle, the replaced plinth inlaid as the door, the sides oyster veneered and divided into panels, on bun feet

Dial in good condition. Movement is complete but much in need of a clean, escape wheel probably replaced but otherwise appears to retain the original wheelwork throughout, bolt and shutter maintaining power repaired, seat board replaced. Case is associated and restored, frieze fret replaced, plinth rebuilt. With two brass-cased weights, pendulum, winder 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."

John Norcott paid quarterage to the Clockmakers' Company from 1672 but was not admitted as a Freeman until 1681. His work is always of fine quality and he was one of very few late 17th century makers to have supplied clocks with skeletonised chapter rings. This elegant refinement was very much more expensive and complicated to produce than a conventional dial and chapter ring and was occasionally used by the important maker Joseph Knibb on some of his finest clocks. It is very rarely seen on clocks by other makers.

A month-going clock by Norcott with a similar dial was sold in these rooms, 8th March 2016, Lot 11.