Lot 96
  • 96

Archibald Knox

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description

  • Archibald Knox
  • "Cymric" Clock, Model No. 5431
  • impressed L&Co CYMRIC with Birmingham Assay Office marks and 5431
  • silver, enamel, brass and clear glass

Provenance

Victor and Gretha Arwas, Editions Graphiques, London, circa 1983

Exhibited

Imagining an Irish Past:  The Celtic Revival 1840-1940, The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, February 6-June 16, 1992
The Liberty Style,
 Metropolitan Teien Museum of Art, Tokyo, June 12-July 25, 1999, followed by a tour to six different museums in Japan through June 2000

Literature

Liberty Silver Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, n.d., p. 199, no. 5431
The Liberty Style, exh. cat., Japan Art & Culture Association, Tokyo, 1999, p. 111, no. 163 (for the present example illustrated)
Adrian J. Tilbrook, The Designs of Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co, London, 2000, p. 142, fig. no. 126
Victor Arwas, Art Nouveau, From Mackintosh to Liberty, the Birth of a Style, London, 2000, p. 99
Stephen A. Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p. 233 (for the present example illustrated)

Condition

Overall in very good condition. The elegantly modeled organic border motif beautifully frames a vibrant and saturated enamel face. The interior of the hinged door also impressed with Lion Passant and date letter. The silver surfaces present with a few very minute abrasions, very light tarnish and a few minute scattered surface scratches, consistent with age and gentle handling. The front of the clock presents with faint discoloration of the silver adjacent to the decorative elements, visible on the catalogue illustration. A few very minute, shallow dings along the edges of the clock. Minor surface dirt between the edges of glass face and the dial. Two hairline scratches to the reverse of the clock. The movement impressed S FRENCH MOVEMENT F. The movement is not guaranteed to run at the time of cataloguing and was not tested for accuracy of time and may need service at the buyerÂ’s discretion. A rare clock, displaying a brilliant range of strongly saturated vibrant colors to enamelwork, and exquisitely rendered decoration to the surrounding leaves and foliage.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.