lot details

lot no
69

description
An Important Charles II walnut thirty-hour striking hooded wall clock with alarm John Knibb, Oxford, circa 1685 The four finned pillar outside countwheel striking movement with verge escapement and crown wheel alarm transversely mounted to the left hand side (movement plates approximately 6 by 3.5 inches), the 5.5 inch square gilt brass dial with silvered alarm disc and finely sculpted steel hand to the matted centre within applied silvered narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with typical Knibb type stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and quarter hour divided inner track, the angles with small applied winged cherub head spandrels, the lower edge signed John Knibb Oxon Fecit, the case with foliate fret infill to the shallow lunette pediment above rectangular side windows to the rising hood, with cross-grain mouldings and shaped apron flanked by scroll outline side brackets beneath, the rectangular backboard with original tongues for the rising hood (lacking bell and weights), 35cm (13.75ins) high. Provenance: The property of a Gentleman. John Knibb was born in 1650 and was apprenticed to his older brother, Joseph, in around 1664. When Joseph moved to London in 1670 to set up business (presumably in the workshop inherited from his uncle, Samuel) John, his younger brother, took-on the Oxford workshop gaining the Freedom of the city on payment of a fine in 1673. Joseph Knibb retired in 1697 selling-up most of his workshop before moving to Hanslop, Buckinghamshire where he made a few clocks prior to his death in 1711. John Knibb became a high profile figure within the City of Oxford twice becoming Mayor, he continued in business until his death in 1722. Although the workshops of John and Joseph Knibb were operated as separate concerns, it is clear (when comparing extant examples of their work), that they had a close working relationship. The current lot belongs to a rare group of probably less than ten surviving examples of small hooded wall clocks from workshops of both John and Joseph Knibb. Although these clocks were generally made for a common purpose, it seems that they do vary in detail and specification to the extent that no two are exactly the same. The majority of the other surviving examples appear have posted movements based on miniature lantern clocks with standard 'Knibb' castings (see Lee, Ronald A. The Knibb Family * Clockmakers plate 178). The current lot is perhaps more unusual as it is constructed with a plated movement which can be compared to a simpler alarm timepiece by John Knibb illustrated by Lee (plate 179) as well as Darken, Jeff (ed.) HOROLOGICAL MASTERWORKS page 142. The inclusion of a striking train has necessitated the alarm mechanism to be located on a separate plate transversely mounted on the left hand side of the movement. The dial is particularly attractive with finely worked hand and narrow chapter ring. The case of perfect proportions and can be directly compared to a case housing a miniature lantern clock by Joseph Knibb illustrated in Lee, plate 59. This rare clock was recently discovered by the vendor whilst sorting through effects that have been stored away since they were inherited from a family member approximately fifty years ago. Unfortunately nothing of its previous history is known although it is believed that it formed part of a connoisseur collection of Antiques and Works of Art compiled during the early part of the last century.

condition report
Condition report available on request IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases Movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys Unless specifically indicated otherwise in the catalogue description it can be assumed that all clocks are sold with the requisite pendulum and correct number of weights (where appropriate), however we cannot guarantee that they are original to the clock. We do not indicate in the catalogue description whether winding or case keys are present with any specific clock. As many are consigned without keys please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition Due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements Dial measurements are given in inches, other dimensions such as height are given in centimeters (and inches for English clocks). The measurement given for the height of a longcase clock excludes any removable finials in order to provide an approximate minimum ceiling height in which the clock can be accommodated.

guide price
£15,000-20,000
Sold for £37,000
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Important Information
The following includes general reports of the condition of the property for various lots in this Sale. The absence of any condition or condition report does not mean, or imply, that the lot is free from any damage or restoration. If you require a condition report, please click on the Condition Request line, below each Lot.  We are not professional restorers and do not undertake conservation, and we strongly recommend that you consult such a professional of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement, whether written or verbal made by Dreweatts, its? staff and agents, is merely a subjective, qualified opinion and is only provided on this basis. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ?AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE, AND ANY REPORT OR VERBAL OBSERVATION IS ONLY PROVIDED ON THIS BASIS.