GERMAN | A RARE GILT-METAL TWO-TRAIN CLOCK WATCH WITH STACKFREED AND HOG'S BRISTLE REGULATORCIRCA 1590

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement with iron wheel work, brass contrate wheel, steel dumb-bell foliot and hog's bristle regulator with arm connected to brass regulation dial, iron stackfreed cam and spring, iron count wheel, straight flat-edged gilded pillars with linear framed edges, striking a bell mounted to the inside case back• Dial: gilded, Roman numerals with touch pins above, inner Arabic 24-hour ring, centre engraved with a stylised flower and surrounded by concentric circular engraving, steel single hand, the dial edge chamfered and engraved with repeated overlapping geometric motif• Case: gilt-brass, the lid pierced and engraved with trefoil-shaped apertures and tracery-form centre, locking slide to the catch, case back with an urn to the base from which emanate a profusion of scrolling flowers and foliage all engraved and pierced for sound emission, convex case sides pierced and engraved with stylised scrolling foliage, ring pendant

Movement: not running at time of cataloguing but striking work appears to be operational although occasionally somewhat sticky. Some iron work replaced including stackfreed spring, dumb-bell foliot and hog's bristle regulator arm probably replaced. Barrels replaced. Dial: re-gilded and with small marks and scratches, a hole has been drilled through the dial plate between the centre and 9 o'clock position. Case: re-gilded and with wear throughout, a few small splits visible to the framework of the trefoils to the lid, repairs close to hinge of lid. Sign of small split and repair close to pendant beneath the bell. Pendant replaced.
"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."

In the 16th Century the main centres for watch making were Augsburg, Munich and Nuremburg and although not signed, the present watch is almost certainly from this region. Watches from this period were most commonly drum or tambour shaped and made of gilded brass.
The stackfreed, which was introduced in Germany, is used to equalise the force of the mainspring and consists of a cam geared to the arbor of the mainspring. Pressing against the cam is a roller mounted on a strong spring.