Lot 29
  • 29

A GILT-BRONZE, GILT-COPPER, SILVER, ENAMEL, EBONY AND EBONISED AUTOMATON CLOCK, SOUTHERN GERMAN, PROBABLY AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1600 |

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 EUR
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Description

  • H. 40, 5 x larg. 26,5 x prof. 18 cm ; 16 x 10 1/2  x 7 in.
the schedule dial with a single hand on the dromedary indicating the hours in Roman numerals from I to XII, the bell dial numbered with Arabic numerals from 1 to 12 on the base; (the rider missing)

Provenance

Kugel Gallery, Paris

Literature

Related litterature:
A. Kugel, Un bestiaire mécanique Horloges à automates de la Renaissance 1580-1640, Saint-Rémy-en-l'Eau, 2016

Condition

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate but too dark. There are the inevitable dents, marks and scratches due to age and use. The gilding is slightly rubbed and tarnished in some places. Gilding with a nice colour but is quite worn on the legs and base. The enameled eyes are extensively worn. As stated in the catalogue, the camel driver is missing, the right hand side back foot is restored, the other back foot with a crack, the tail is missing. Ebonised base in overall good condition with restorations. The mechanism of the tail is missing and the bottom element under the base is missing too. There are probably restorations to the enamels of the dial. There are restorations and replacements to both movements. Please note that we do not guarantee that the mechanism is in working order, it has to be checked by a professional clock restorer.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

Catalogue Note

This model is part of a very limited group of automaton clocks representing a dromedary. The first mechanical clocks appeared at the beginning of the 14th century, first conceived as monumental clocks for belfries or bell towers. An ingenious production of automaton clocks then developed in Nuremberg from 1525. Among the best master clockmakers, Hans Bullman made beautiful pieces in 1535 commissioned for Vienna by the Emperor Ferdinand. Whilst in Augsbourg, the most prosperous period for clock making stretched from 1550 to 1600, which counted eighty-one master clockmakers. The creation of cases and figures however was beyond the competence of clockmakers who often called upon bronze sculptors, cabinetmakers and gold or silversmiths.