A. LANGE & SÖHNE, DEUTSCHE UHRENFABRIKATION, GLASHÜTTE | A GOLD HUNTING CASED KEYLESS LEVER WATCH WITH DECORATION AFTER PROFESSOR GRAFFCIRCA 1899, NO. 37873

• Movement: 2nd quality, 19''' cal. 43 gilded, lever escapement, 15 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulation, movement signed and numbered Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation Glashütte, 37873, glazed cuvette• Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, outer minute ring, gold filigree hands, signed A. Lange & Söhne, Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation, Glashütte• Case: 14ct gold, highly decorated Louis XV-style, chased and engraved on both sides with decoration after Professor Graff, the front centred with a blank cartouche, the back centred with a Roman head in profile, each of the central cartouches surrounded by baskets of fruit, a pair of doves above and a heart beneath, bezels and chased band engraved with flowers and foliage, signed A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte 

Dial: With a couple of light scratches but there do not appear to be any hairlines. Case: Decoration remains clear overall with some light rubbing. Movement: Running at time of cataloguing. Hand setting adjusting smoothly.
"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."

Accompanied by a certificate of origin from the Museum of Glashütte which confirms date of sale on 3rd July 1899 to Paul Thimig, Dresden. The "Lucia" case with design by Prof. Graff. When Emil Lange took over the family firm when his brother retired in 1887, he favoured more ornately decorated cases to that of his brother. The demand for luxurious cases had increased under the prosperous reign of Kaiser Wilhelm and so we see more heavily decorated cases, even in smaller timepieces, such as the present lot.