A GILT-BRASS AND SILVER QUARTER STRIKING AUTOMATON ELEPHANT CLOCK, GERMAN, PROBABLY AUGSBURG, CIRCA

A GILT-BRASS AND SILVER QUARTER STRIKING AUTOMATON ELEPHANT CLOCK, GERMAN, PROBABLY AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1630

the time and the quarters trains with standing spring barrels contained in the howdah, silver time chapter ring at the front with engraved landscape at the center and on a flower decorated surround, glazed panels at the front and the back and a quarters strike recording dial on the rear with similarly engraved center, the time train with verge escapement and later conversion to pendulum employing the elephants tail for this purpose, the howdah with elaborate pierced angled corners and surmounted by tall finials enclosing a pierced arcade containing the quarters bell, the upper crenellated section with central 'brickwork' post supporting a banner and three armed figures who revolve while the quarters are striking, the elephant with silver tusks and silver adornment, painted moving eyes connected to the escapement and tasseled repoussé panels on each side decorated with lion's masks, standing on a rocaille base depicting shells and creatures, an automaton revolving dog connected to the strike train between the elephant's front legs, the elongated octagonal moulded ebony plinth containing the separate striking train, the front open to reveal an automaton scene depicting a central male figure bound to a tree trunk while a lion, a tiger and a leopard move around him while the hour strike is sounding, a key drawer below, the sides divided by gilt-brass baluster pillars and inset with arched glazed panels overlaid with pierced and engraved gilt masks, the rear with an hour strike recording dial set on an arched gilt plate engraved with a further landscape, raised on bun feet