- 414
South German, circa 1575
Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 USD
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Description
- Renaissance astronomical table clock
- gilt bronze
- height 3 7/8 in.; 9.8 cm., diameter of dial 8 in.; 20.2 cm.
- South German, circa 1575
8 inch dial numbered I-XII twice and enclosing an astrolabe with named stars and zodiac calendar, sun/moon hand, the iron movement with square pillars, chain fusees to both going and striking trains, verge escapement with steel foliot, bell striking with count wheel mounted on the backplate, the drum case decorated in relief with strapwork scrolls, fruit, birds and cartouches centered by masks, interspersed with allegorical figures and terms, resting on five lion-form feet, baseplate inverted and engraved on interior, extensive later alterations and replacements.
Provenance
Spitzer Collection
Literature
Collection Spitzer, Antiques, Du Moyen - âge & De La Renaissance, vol. 5, p. 47, no. 47, Paris, 1893, no. 2685
K. Maurice, Die deutsche Räderuhr: Zur Kunst und Technik des mechanischen Zeitmessers im deutchen Sprachraum, Munich, 1976, p.70, no. 529
K. Maurice, Die deutsche Räderuhr: Zur Kunst und Technik des mechanischen Zeitmessers im deutchen Sprachraum, Munich, 1976, p.70, no. 529
Condition
Clock not functioning at the time of cataloging and would need restoration to function correctly. Movement oxidized and with signs of previous restoration. Barrels in need of repair as they are separating. Chain for fusee is loose and would need repair. Modifications made to the levers and bridges for the movement, notably to the levers to the bell and astrolabe. Astrolabe dial is finished on both sides, with modifications to the sides for mounting. Case with modifications to close holes, the case bottom flipped and reattached with the original exterior to the interior. Repairs to the case to the interior of the band. The piece would need to have extensive restoration to return it to original appearance and function.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.