GERMAN | AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE GILT BRASS COMBINED POWDER-FLASK AND WATCH IN FORM OF AN ANTLER WITH HIGHLY DETAILED DECORATIONS CIRCA 1570

Movement: gilded drum-clock with verge escapement, later balance, gut-fuseeDial: gilt brass, outer chapter with Roman numerals I to XII, touch pins above, inner chapter displaying Arabic numerals 13 – 24, gilded single handCase: gilt bronze, in the shape of highly decorated stag horn powder flask, the one side with cast decoration bearing intricate chased hunting scenes likely to be derived from the designs of Jan Stradanus - a castle is depicted in the far distance, a stag is seen followed by several animated hunting dogs, below a hunter attacks a bear with his spear while hunting dogs are jumping on top of him, the lower parts are displaying a variety of wild animals within bushes and trees, on the right two men, one with a lantern to attract the ducks in the pond and the second man with a large net ready to catch the oncoming birds, the other side is engraved with arabesques and foliate scrolls, the watch is contained within a hinged open-work cover that is secured by a hook at 12 o’clock.

Klaus Maurice, Die deutsche Räderuhr, p. 470

Movement: the watch runs when wound, but fairly intermittently and a little erratically. Case:There are some areas of rubbing to gilt throughout the powder flask, and more so at the top by the funnel. The case closes the watch securely. Dial: The dial is possibly regilded. The hand is possibly later.
"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."

The present powder flask with watch is illustrated in Klaus Maurice Die deutsche Räderuhr, p. 470. A similar powder flask, but without the watch, can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum and another in the Museum für Kunst, Dortmund, see: Katalog Gold und Silber, 1965, pl. 25. A rapier and companion dagger with watches by Tobias Reichel, Court Clockmaker in Dresden, which date to c. 1610, are illustrated in Haenel Kostbare Waffen, pl. 59, e, f. and Baillie, Watches Their History Decoration and Mechanism, pl. X.