It was listed by M. C. Taylor. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
The eight day duration, double fusee movement with five finned 'double baluster' pillars, Verge escapement with attached pendulum, countwheel striking the hours on a top-mounted bell with a rear-mounted countwheel that is engraved with Arabic hour numerals to the slots and a central circular fan motif.
Behind a six inch square brass dial. The corners having cast brass 'winged cherub' spandrels and the finely matted centre having an upper, square chamfered calendar date aperture. The silvered chapter ring has an outer minute track with small Arabic five minute numerals within it, Roman hour numerals, cruciform half hour markings and an inner, quarter track. The blued steel hands are of a simple carved style.
Contained in a 2nd period ebony veneered and ebonised oak case with an applied brass Repousse basket to the plain top. The basket is lined with black cloth and has a brass swinging handle. There is a returned moulding above the plain frieze. The locking full-size front door has recessed moulding surrounding the glazed panel and the lower portion of the case has a short plinth with moulded top. All of the mouldings continue around the case. The sides have rectangular glazed apertures with conforming moulding and the rear has a smaller locking and glazed door. The case stands upon four cast brass bun feet.
John Ebsworth was a very prolific and highly important Clockmaker and took on and trained as apprentices many other eminent makers. He was born in 1643 and apprenticed to Richard Ames in 1657 until freed in 1665. He worked at the Crossed Keys in Lothbury but later moved to 'New Cheep Side'. He was Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1697 but did not sign their Oath of Allegiance suggesting that he was a non-conformist. In 1694 he was one of the original subscribers to the newly formed 'Bank of England' and deposited the huge sum of £1,000 cash. He died in 1699 and was buried at St. Margaret's in Lothbury.
Pieces by Ebsworth can be found in many museums and collections notably, a very similar clock to this one can be found in the Royal Collection and is situated in the Garden Room at Clarence House. It was presented to His Royal Highness the Duke of York by the members of his family on the occasion of his marriage on 26th April 1923.
The movement is working well, keeping time and striking correctly, however it has not been restored by us. The dial and hands have been restored and the case finish is original and very good for its age. The locks, repousse top etc are original but both door glasses are replacements.
The price for the clock is in its present condition. If any restoration work is required, then a price can be given upon enquiry. We estimate that the insurance value of this clock if fully and carefully restored and because of its completeness and originality, should be in the region of £50,000 to £60,000.
For further information please email us at
info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Clockmakers and restorers established 1987
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M. C. Taylor Profile Page
An English, Basket Top, Striking Table Clock of Small Size by John Ebsworth of London. Circa 1685
