Joseph Knibb. An ebony Dutch striking table clock with skeletonised dial,, London, circa 1672

7½-inch latched dial signed along the lower edge Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit, winged cherub spandrels, silvered skeletonised chapter ring with every minute numbered, finely matted centre with date aperture and central rosette, the substantial fusee movement with ten latched knopped and ringed pillars, divided front plate, re-conversion to verge escapement, engraved outside count wheel cut for Dutch striking on two bells, the backplate signed as the dial and engraved with tulips and a winged hour-glass, the 'Phase 1' case with gilt-brass handle to the shallow-domed top, on block feet 

A handwritten card with this clock states Clocke in a Cabinette. Presented to the Rev. Stephen Collier, Vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Oxford by the brothers, John and Joseph Knibb. April 1672.
Stephen Collier was the son of the English divine, Giles Collier of Blockley, Worcestershire. He matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford in 1660/1 at the age of 17 and gained his BA in 1664 and MA in 1667.  Between 1671 and 1688 he was vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Oxford.

Dial in very good condition, silvering to chapter ring slightly discoloured, good original hands. Movement is complete but very much in need of a clean and service, re-conversion to verge escapement has been very well done, one hammer replaced. Case has old cracks, repairs and minor losses throughout, inside base cut for pendulum conversion. With 3 case keys but no winder.
"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, amonst which is Dutch striking as used on this clock. Commonly used on Dutch clocks but rarely by English makers, the hour is struck, as usual, on a bell but at the half-hour the preceding hour is struck on a smaller bell. 
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.