2-inch dial, the outer twelve-hour dial enclosing a twenty-four hour dial, the reverse with alarm dial, the posted steel movement with verge escapement and balance with replaced hairspring, chain fusees with lipped barrels, the striking train and alarm acting on the top-mounted bell, the highly engraved case with scrolls and foliage overall, cornered with engraved Corinthian columns, the feet in the form of lions (some possibly later), the bell under a cage with cast dragons surmounted by a figure of St. George  

With Crijns & Stender, The Netherlands, 1997

The gears appear to be original and in very good condition. The piece was apparently never converted to pendulum. The base had to be taken apart in order to slide out the side panels, i.e. the panels and some moldings have been pinned to the carcass in order to secure them as they may have become loose at one stage. The four side panels are beautifully engraved and gilt on their interiors. The barrels are made of brass. There is some oxidation on the plates but overall, they are in very good condition. Please ignore the comment in the catalogue mentioning a hairspring (no hairspring exists, which is consistent with movements of this period). There is a central screw hole on the underside of the base, suggesting that is was mounted on an ebonized wood base at an earlier stage. It is possible that the four dragons or hippocampi attached to the top near the bell as well as the four serving as feet are associated. Lovely quality and overall condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

RELATED LITERATURE
Klaus Maurice, Die Deutchse Raderuhr, Vol. II, Munich 1976