Joseph Knibb. A rare and early miniature lantern timepiece with alarm, London, circa 1675

tulip engraved dial plate with 3¼-inch chapter ring and signed Joseph Knibb, Londini, central alarm disc, conventional posted movement with verge escapement and short pendulum, alarm train acting on the top-mounted bell, the posted case with dophin frets, turned finials and ball feet, iron suspension loops and spurs

This timepiece is illustrated and discussed in Lee, Ronald The Knibb Family Clockmakers, 1964, pgs.158-161

Dial in generally good condition but lacking silvering from chapter ring, alarm disc slightly damaged, hour hand replaced. Movement needs a clean but appears to retain the original wheelwork. Case top finial is slightly bent and is lacking tip, otherwise generally good throughout. With three associated brass-cased weights.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Joseph Knibb, the most famous and inventive member of the celebrated Knibb clockmaking family was born circa 1640; he was apprenticed to his cousin Samuel in about 1655 and after serving seven years worked first at Oxford and then moved to London in 1670 where he was made Free of the Clockmakers' Company. This clock is very similar to lantern clocks signed by Knibb in Oxford and must have been made very shortly after his arrival in London. He must soon have built up a good reputation for himself as it is recorded that he supplied a turret clock for Windsor Castle in 1677 and payments were made to him in 1682 on behalf of King Charles II. Towards the end of the 17^th century Joseph Knibb moved to Hanslop in Buckinghamshire. A few clocks with the Hanslop address are known but by the early years of the 18^th century Knibb had virtually retired; he died in December 1711.