Joseph Knibb timepiece table clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1690
Maker / issuer
Joseph KnibbThis late 17th-century William III ebony-veneered timepiece table clock is attributed by the auction source to Joseph Knibb, dating to circa 1690. The rectangular case features baluster-turned finials, a pierced fret panel backed in red fabric, and a brass carrying handle.
The dial is fitted with winged cherub-head spandrels and a silvered chapter ring. According to cataloguing, the movement incorporates a verge escapement, a latched dial and movement, and pull quarter repeat mechanism on a bell. The total height measures 32 cm with the handle upright.
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
- Table clock
- Height
- 32 cm (including handle upright)
- Escapement
- Verge escapement with latched dial and movement
- Place recorded
- England
- Condition notes
- Quarter repeating work substantially replaced
- Maker attribution
- Joseph Knibb
- Period and Veneer
- William III ebony veneered
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph Knibb
Design
- Visible features
- • Ebony-veneered rectangular case surmounted by brass baluster finials and a hinged carrying handle. • Square dial plate with winged cherub head spandrels and a silvered chapter ring marked with Roman hour numerals. • Pierced gilt fret backed by red cloth positioned in the lintel above the glazed door. • Pull repeat cords fitted with turned brass weights hanging down both flanks of the case.
- Dial and Mechanism
- The clock features a square dial plate adorned with cherub escutcheons and a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. The movement is fitted with a verge escapement and utilizes a latched dial and movement system. The clock includes a pull quarter repeat mechanism which has been substantially replaced. The striking assembly utilizes a bell, which is noted as a replacement for the original style of bell.
- Case and Exterior Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an ebony-veneered rectangular case measuring 28 cm by 22 cm by 15 cm. It is surmounted by brass baluster finials and features a hinged carrying handle. A pierced fret panel is positioned in the lintel above the glazed door. Condition reports note that the left mount escutcheon has been pinned down, the right escutcheon is installed upside down, and both are likely replacements. The side frets are described as unusual and of poor quality. The pull repeat cords are noted as replaced.
- Condition and Attribution Notes
- The cataloguer notes the wooden base is a replacement and that existing holes in the base do not align with the movement, suggesting the case and movement may be a marriage. The underdial has been restored. Correspondence from the late 1960s and early 1970s identifies a historical requirement for various components, including ornaments for the case, a minute hand, backcock, and pendulum holdfast, noting six vacant holes in the front plate.
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: Source condition report notes extensive alterations, including a replaced bell, substantially replaced quarter repeating work, restored verge escapement, replaced wooden base, and mismatched case-movement mounting holes suggesting a possible marriage.
- Research required: Front escutcheon mounts differ in colour from the dial and are considered probable replacements by the auctioneer.
- Research required: Interior movement plates and rear view are not depicted in this image.