KELHOFF A MANHEIM | A RARE AND UNUSUAL GOLD DOUBLE SIDED SARCOPHAGUS FORM ASTRONOMICAL WATCH WITH AUTOMATON AND SPECIAL ESCAPEMENTLATE 18TH CENTURY

• Movement: unusual cylinder escapement, balance staff with two steel balance wheels of sunburst form• Dial: a row of chapter rings of increasing size for seconds, minutes, hours, date and months, the other side indicating day of the week, moon-phases, and hours between sunrise and sunset numbered 8-16, automaton figure of Chronos, whose scythe marks the hours at the top, chased silver figures of Minerva and of Astronomy seated on the upper most chapter ring, a revolving automaton with four putti emblematic of the seasons, signed on a silver arc• Case: chased basket weave decoration, glazed covers

Time Museum, Rockford Illinois, Inventory no. 3633 Sotheby's Masterpieces from the Time Museum Part Two, New York, June 19, 2002, lot 56

Dial: Scuffs and tarnishing to the chapter rings. Case: Scuffs and small indentations to the gold case. One the glazed panels to the side of the case has come out of its setting. Movement: Not running, however the balance wheel rotating freely.
"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."

A Kehloff is recorded by Abeler, Meister de Uhrmacherkunst, as working in Vienna, late 18th century, with an example in the Historiches Museum in Basle. Baille records a Friedrich Kelhoff in London noted as insolvent in 1761, but who patented a centre seconds watch with stackfreed in 1764 and a watch with a type of pin wheel escapement in the Ilbert collection.