THOMAS TOMPION. AN OYSTER AND MARQUETRY MONTH-GOING LONGCASE CLOCK, LONDON, CIRCA 1680, MOVEMENT AND CASE ASSOCIATED |

10-inch latched dial with wheatear border, signed along the lower edge Tho Tompion Londini Fecit, winged cherub spandrels, finely matted centre with subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture,  the movement with six latched, knopped and ringed pillars, anchor escapement, reversed five wheel trains, external locking plate striking on a bell, the associated case with carved and parcel gilt scroll cresting above ebonised spiral hood pilasters to the rising hood, the trunk door inlaid in various woods and green-stained bone with panels of flowers and figures on an oyster ground, the sides with crossbanded oyster veneer, the plinth inlaid with a vase of flowers, on bun feet,

Possibly Dr A Douglas-Heath, Edgbaston, Birmingham sold in his sale July 1937.
John Murray, friend and trading partner of Percy Webster and thence by descent to the current owner.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD INSPECT IN PERSON. Dial in generally good condition, silvering rubbed, hands appear to be original, hour hand lacking small piece of scroll and tip repaired. Movement is complete and appears to retain the original wheelwork throughout but it is rather dirty and needs complete service and overhaul, crutch bent. The associated case in generally good condition, altered seat board, extensive restorations throughout. With pendulum and two brass cased weights but no winder or 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."

Thomas Tompion (1639-1713), the greatest of English clockmakers was born the son of a blacksmith in the parish of Northill, Bedfordshire. 

There is no record of Thomas Tompion serving as an apprentice in a clockmaker's workshop but in 1671 he was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company in London as a `Brother' and two and a half years later was made a 'Free Clockmaker upon Redemption' and allowed to set up his own workshop and take apprentices. During this important year he moved into an influential circle where he met Robert Hooke and John Flamsteed who introduced him to other distinguished scientists of the day, the nobility and King Charles II.

Shortly after 1680 Tompion devised a numbering system for all the clocks and watches that he made and this was continued after his death by his successor George Graham. Thomas Tompion died in 1713 and an indication of the high esteem in which he was held during his lifetime was demonstrated by his burial in Westminster Abbey.