John Knibb Oxford

Charles II olive wood oyster and marquetry panelled quarter striking longcase clock. Circa 1680

Case

The cariniana carcass veneered in olive wood and olive wood oysters with ebony mouldings and inlaid with floral marquetry panels. Original carved and gilded cresting with central gilt arcaded pedestal capped with three gilt finials. Ebonised Solomonic columns with integral turned capitals and bases. Convex throat mouldings to the trunk, the long trunk door framed by half round ebonised mouldings, marquetry panel of flowers and foliage in a vase with green stained bone quadrants to the corners. The base which is similarly decorated rests on bun feet.

Dial

Square 9 1/2 inch fire gilded dial signed Johannes Knibb Oxon Fecit to the lower margin, winged cherub head spandrels and narrow silvered chapter ring. The finely matted centre with large subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture above VI. The three winding holes with shutters behind, fine blued steel pierced and sculpted hands.

Movement

The eight day three train movement with ten latched pillars and split front plate secured to the backboard via a bracket. Bolt and shutter maintaining power to the anchor escapement with single foot backcock. Solid external countwheels, the hours struck on the larger bell with the quarters struck on the smaller bell. Brass cased weights and Knibb pendulum, with butterfly regulation.

Literature

R A Lee, The Knibb Family Clockmakers. 1964, Plate 21 and 44. Horological Masterworks, Oxford, 2003, p.146-149 Huygens’ Legacy, Holland, 2004, p.164-165 Garnier & Hollis, Innovation & Collaboration, 2018, p.312-315