Importante horloge de table ou turmchenuhr à sonnerie des heures et des quarts, le mouvement portant le poinçon de Nicolaus Schmidt l’Aîné, Augsbourg, vers 1600

le cadran principal composé d’un anneau horaire argenté (postérieur) encerclant le disque de réveil en laiton doré et gravé, aiguilles en fer ; mouvement en fer à piliers, trois corps de rouage à fusée avec corde de boyau, barillet pour le réveil, échappement à verge avec balancier (postérieur), échelle de 1 à 5 pour réglage de l’échappement originel ; caisse architecturale avec coupole à castillassions muni de quatre canons au-dessus d’un arcade à pinacles dissimulant les deux timbres, décor gravé de feuilles et de fleurs, base orné de fruits et feuillage, pilastres  cannelés avec chapiteaux corinthiens ; l’ensemble monté sur une plinthe en bois sculpté et noirci (postérieur) avec dôme en verre

Vente Christie’s à Londres, le 5 décembre 2013, lot 89

Dial chapter ring and alarm disc probably replaced. Movement has later conversion to pendulum but otherwise it appears to be complete and mostly original throughout. Case has old dents and marks throughout; the later stand and glazed cover are in poor condition.
"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."

Né en 1549 à Wilz (Luxembourg), Nicolaus Schmidt l’ainé est maître à Augsbourg le 3 mars 1576, la même année où il se marie avec Katerina Fronmüller. Mort en 1629, il est connu pour plusieurs horloges à tour et à figure. Ses œuvres se trouvent aux musées de Bâle, Winterthur et au Metropolitan Museum, New York.