Bracket clock by Joseph Knibb, London, c. 1680–1685

Dealer description — Howard Walwyn

A very rare grande sonnerie striking spring table clock by this preeminent clockmaker. The phase 3 case , veneered with ebony with applied gilt brass mounts and brass carrying handle, stands only 11 ¾ inches high and is of typical Knibb form. The 6 ¼ inch square brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and wing and cherub spandrels to the four corners. The centre is finely matted with elegant pierced and faceted pointers and there is a chamfered inset date aperture below XII. The three-train movement employs Knibb’s grande sonnerie striking system. The front plate to the movement is divided into three – a rare feature used to facilitate dismantling individual trains. As can be seen from the front plate, there are ten latched pillars which also hold the divided front plates together. The photograph of the backplate of the movement illustrates the link between the quarter countwheel and the hour countwheel. The fine early foliage and tulip engraving can be seen surrounding the crescent signature Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit . Date: circa 1680-1685 Height : 11 ¾ in (29.75 cm) Width : 9 ⅝ in (24.5 cm) Depth : 6 ½ in (15.75 cm) * Grande sonnerie striking clocks are by far the rarest and most sought after table clocks of the period. This particular example dates from circa 1680-1685 and is small and very elegant. The verge escapement and the quarter work have had restoration as one would expect to find in a small clock of such complexity and such an early date. Most importantly, any remedial work has been done sympathetically and the clock retains a beautiful old patina commensurate with its great age. HW6102