A RENAISSANCE EBONY, LAPIS LAZULI AND GILT-MOUNTED ASTRONOMICAL MONSTRANCE TABLE CLOCK WITH CROSS-BEAT ESCAPEMENT, CASPAR BUSCHMANN II, AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1590 |

2¼-inch dial with calendar and lunar indications, a subsidiary dial below decorated in polychrome enamels with the attendant deities for the days of the week, the fusee movement with lipped barrel and cross-beat escapement, the double foliot mounted on the backplate and with winged cherub head terminals, the striking train with standing barrel and external numbered locking plate striking on a bell, the backplate further mounted with foliate pierced and engraved cocks and stamped .C A. B V. for Caspar Buschmann II, the monstrance case with domed top and female figure surmount above pierced and engraved frets, side panels and rear door and insets of lapis lazuli, the moulded base with a concealed frieze drawer, on gilt bracket feet

Antiquorum, Geneva, 14th November 2004, Lot 49

Dial in generally good condition, silvering rather tarnished, the deity dial retaining some of the original enamel. Movement is complete but would benefit from a clean and fresh oil, with some restoration, repairs and replacements but generally good. Case has many old repairs, loss to top left moulding and also to lower right, top left scroll badly re-glued too high and could be much improved, other old veneer losses and cracks throughout. With a winder.
"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."

Caspar or Kaspar Buschmann II was born in Augsburg in 1536, the son of Kaspar Buschmann, clockmaker. Caspar II became a Free clockmaker in Augsburg in 1560 and was married in the same year. Astronomical table clocks by him can be found in The Adler Panetarium in Chicago and The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. He died in Augsburg on 7th March 1613. The cross-beat escapement was invented in 1584 by Jost Bürgi, a Swiss/German clockmaker and mathematician. Designed as an improvement on the verge and foliot escapement, it comprises two foliots, each with a single pallet and, geared together, oscillating in opposite directions to provide locking of and impulse from the escape wheel. Contemporary accounts stated a much improved accuracy over the standard verge escapement although this is now thought more likely attributable to the high quality of workmanship and better tolerances required than the pure technical theory.  In use for only a short period in Germany in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the cross-beat escapement is extremely rare and, by the early 18th century had fallen into obscurity.

Monstrance clocks are so called because of the similarity of their cases to the religious vessels of the same name used in ritual ceremony by the Roman Catholic Church. Clocks of this form first appeared in Germany during the second half of the 16th century and are more commonly made from gilt-copper or brass. The present clock is a particularly attractive example of the highest quality incorporating the expected astronomical complications of the period and a rare escapement. The case is well-proportioned and combines very fine engraved fretwork with the most unusual addition of panels of lapis lazuli.