German astronomical watch in the shape of a sarcophagus Circa 1790

Gold double sided form watch by Kelhoff
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A unique German 18 carat gold double sided sarcophagus form astronomical watch with automaton and special escapement, circa 1790-1799. This watch is equipped with a unique cylinder escapement and a balance staff with two steel balance wheels arranged in a sunburst pattern. It includes a series of chapter rings in increasing sizes for seconds, minutes, hours, date and months. On the opposite side, it displays the day of the week, moon phases and the hours between sunrise and sunset, numbered 8-16. The automaton figure of Chronos, with a scythe marking the hours at the top, is accompanied by chased silver figures of Minerva and Astronomy seated on the uppermost chapter ring. Additionally, there is a rotating automaton featuring four putti representing the seasons, all signed on a silver arc. The case is adorned with intricate chased basket weave decoration and glazed covers.
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Length: 135 mm
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Signed: Kelhoff A Manheim
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The chapter rings show scuffs and tarnishing, while the gold case has visible scuffs and small indentations. Additionally, one of the glazed panels on the side of the case has come out of its setting. The movement is not currently running, but the balance wheel is rotating freely.
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Abeler, a Meister de Uhrmacherkunst, recorded a Kehloff working in Vienna in the late 18th century. An example of Kehloff’s work can be found in the Historiches Museum in Basle. Additionally, Baille noted a Friedrich Kelhoff in London who was insolvent in 1761 but patented a centre seconds watch with stackfreed in 1764 and a watch with a type of pin wheel escapement in the Ilbert collection.