With a 10in (25cm) latched dial signed Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit, its main attraction was its intriguing Roman system mechanism. Designed by Knibb to conserve energy by striking less frequently, it ran for a month on one winding. The system did not catch on as the clock struck on different hours to other longcases, confusing the owners and thereby defeating its purpose.
One of only a few to appear at auction, it was consigned by a Scottish family who had owned it for generations. The gloomy northern light may have helped preserve the colour on the original marquetry case and the clock boasted its original oak seat board and period mechanism.
However, the marquetry caddy hood and foot were probably early 18th century additions and the chapter ring was replaced. Estimated at £35,000-40,000, it was pursued by the trade and eventually secured at £65,000 by a London dealer.
While bidding struggled for lantern clocks, traditional 19th century English chiming clocks, and run-of-the-mill French decorative entries, the unusual shape and fine Limoges enamel work of a hexagonal repeating carriage clock, French, c.1890, saw it contested to £22,000 by a private overseas buyer.
Clocks, Watches and Barometers sale
Sotheby’s 236-lot Clocks, Watches and Barometers sale was the largest of the three held on September 20. Timed to capitalise on the recent opening of the Olympia saleroom, it brought £417,645 and was 73 per cent taken up by lot. This small olivewood marquetry longcase clock, c.1680, 7ft 6in (2.15m), by Joseph Knibb, stole the limelight.
