Architectural ebony table clock, Edward East, attributed to Samuel Knibb
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
third quarter of the 17th century
This architectural ebony table clock dates from the third quarter of the 17th century and features a dial signed 'Eduardus East Londini', with the movement attributed by the source to Samuel Knibb.
The case is surmounted by a triangular pediment with a cast gilt mount in the tympanum, supported by spirally twisted Corinthian columns above an inverted breakfront base containing a lower drawer with a Pan mask ring pull. The 8-inch gilt-brass dial features cast cherub-head spandrels, a silvered chapter ring with Roman hours and Arabic minutes, a date aperture above six o'clock, and maintaining power shutters. The twin-fusee movement is reported to have nine latched pillars, a verge escapement, and an engraved floral backplate.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Architectural table clock
- Height
- 50.5 cm (20 in)
- Escapement
- Knife-edge verge escapement
- Dial Signature
- Eduardus East Londini
- Place recorded
- England
- Base Drawer Mount
- Ring handle in the form of a Pan mask
- Maker / attribution
- Edward East (movement attributed to Samuel Knibb)
- Movement Attribution
- Attributable to Samuel Knibb
Design
- Visible features
- • Architectural pedimented ebony case flanked by spirally twisted columns with gilt Corinthian capitals and bases. • Tympanum centered by an oval gilded figural mount. • Square brass dial with winged cherub-head spandrels, silvered chapter ring, blued steel hands, twin winding holes, and a square calendar aperture above VI. • Inverted breakfront lower drawer fitted with a central gilded Pan mask ring handle, resting on squat bun feet.
- Case Architecture
- The clock is housed in an architectural ebony-veneered case with a moulded cornice. The tympanum contains an oval gilded mount depicting a pair of standing figures framing a vacant cartouche. The structure features spirally twisted Corinthian columns with original bases and capitals, arranged in three-quarter form at the front and quarter-form at the rear. The case features an inverted breakfront base containing a drawer with a Pan mask ring handle. It is elevated on squat bun feet. The solid rear door bears two internal labels referencing a 1955 Sotheby's auction and a 1964 Science Museum exhibition in London.
- Dial and Calendar
- The 8-inch gilt-brass dial is adorned with four cherub-head spandrels at the corners. The signature 'Eduardus East Londini' is inscribed in copperplate script at the lower edge. The narrow silvered chapter ring contains Roman hour numerals, fleur-de-lys half-hour markers, and an Arabic minute track. The matted dial center features a chamfered calendar aperture positioned above the VI o'clock mark. Maintaining power is provided by a bolt-and-shutter mechanism operated via a side-mounted pull cord.
- Movement and Attribution
- The twin-fusee movement comprises split front plates, nine latched and pinned pillars, and an engraved floral backplate signed 'Eduardus East Londini'. The train includes a knife-edge verge escapement and a countwheel engraved with a Tudor rose. The movement is attributed to Samuel Knibb by the source, citing stylistic comparisons of the potence, hammer spring, and plate construction to other works identified as Knibb's. It is noted that the movement bears these hallmarks despite the dial signature of Edward East.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The internal twin-fusee movement, latched pillars, maintaining power mechanism, and engraved backplate are not visible in this frontal image.
- Research required: The movement attribution to Samuel Knibb is source-reported based on constructional characteristics rather than a signature.