MORITZ GROSSMANN, DRESDEN | A GOLD HUNTING CASED KEYLESS LEVER WATCH MADE FOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN MARKETCIRCA 1880 NO. 4329

• Movement: decoratively engraved nickel ¾ plate, gold lever, bi-metallic compensation balance, diamond-set endstone, movement signed and numbered M. Grossmann, Dresden, no.4329• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds, signed M. Grossmann, Dresden• Case: 18ct gold, highly chased and engraved on both sides with floral motifs and monopodiums with griffin heads, gold cuvette signed and numbered M. Grossmann, 4329 

Movement: Running at the time of cataloguing. Dial: in good condition Case: light scuffs. Some wear to the decoration but overall retains good definition and detail.
"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."

Carl Moritz Grossmann, a visionary watchmaker, trained under both Gutkaes and Lange. Grossman  worked for a short time for Lange in the early days of the firm.  He opened his own business in Glashütte  on Lange's advice in 1852 and established a reputation not only as a watchmaker, but also as an accomplished writer. His work as a technical writer helped spread the popularity of Lange's inventions, which led to their subsequent adoption by the reigning Swiss watchmaking industry. Grossman was a driving force behind the Deutsch Uhrmacher Schule in Glashütte and became the Chair of the school in 1878.