Joseph Knibb. A Charles II month-going quarter striking longcase clock in an associated walnut case, London, circa 1680 and later

11-inch dial signed along the lower edge Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit, winged cherub and foliate scroll spandrels linked by scroll engraving, finely matted centre with date aperture below XII, three train movement with nine knopped and ringed latched pillars, divided front plates, anchor escapement, striking the hours and quarters on two bells, the locking plates mounted on the backplate, the associated and partially re-built case with shallow domed top and gilt-brass finials above panels of fretwork and gilt-capped hood pilasters, the rectangular trunk door and plinth inlaid with stringing, the sides divided into panels

Acquired from Ronald A Lee, London. 6th July 1992.

PROSPECTIVE BUYERS SHOULD INSPECT PERSONALLY. Dial in good clean condition, three filled holes along the lower edge. Movement running at time of cataloguing but needs a clean, appears to retain the original wheelwork but escapewheel and pallets probably replaced, cut-out to backplate enlarged, bells replaced. Case is later associated, plinth and base re-built, seat board adapted. With three brass-cased weights, pendulum and case key.
"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.

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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. 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.

No other maker produced such an intriguing variety of striking and repeating mechanisms which included passing strike, hour striking, hours and half-hours, quarter striking, grande sonnerie, Dutch and Roman. In the 17th Century anything other than hour striking was considered unusual and whilst both Dutch and Roman striking notation can initially be very confusing, the quarter striking notation of this clock is easily interpreted.

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.