A George III gilt-mounted ebonised organ clock case with a painted and gilt-mounted dial after Ferri and Rysbrack, circa 1765

15½-inch dial plate painted with 'The Virgins tending the fire in the Temple of Vesta' after Ciro Ferri, the gilt-bronze mounts of the seven muses together with Apollo and Diana and pillars framing the 4¾-inch dial aperture, the case with broken-arch top and brass-bound panels above floral scroll corner mounts, the side doors cast with masks, scrolls and musical trophies, the moulded base on gilt feet

Prospective Purchasers Should Inspect Personally. The case with old cracks, repairs and restorations throughout, finials lacking. Mounts cleaned and refreshed. Dial with restoration. With a door 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."

This case and dial is one of a small group of known examples produced in London in the mid-18th century for the musical clock maker Charles Clay and his successor George Pyke. This particular case is most closely associated to the George Pyke organ clock at Temple Newsam House, Leeds which is dated to 1765 and has very similar gilt-bronze mounts to the dial, the design of which has been attributed to John Michael Rysbrack (1694-1770).

The painted scene is virtually a mirror image of a painting by Ciro Ferri (1634-1689) in the Galleria Spada, Rome.