John Ebsworth - London Longcase

Here we are showing a rather special clock by an eminent maker. The 10inch dial keeps the whole clock to a relatively small size. The maker, John Ebsworth of Londoni Fecit (London) would have made this clock circa 1680. The case is decorated in fine marquetry and has 'barley twist' columns to the hood. The full brass dial showing gilded cherub head spandrels to each corner, a finely matted center with bolt and shutter maintaining power, calendar and blued steel hands. The makers name engraved at the bottom of the dial, just below the six. Interestingly this clock features on the cover of a book published in 1969 called Investment in Antiques & Art. The book also shows this clock on plate 29 inside the book. A copy of the book will be supplied with the clock, of course. This clock really should be viewed in our shop to fully appreciate the small proportions and the truly wonderful glow.

John Ebsworth (1643-1699), of Cross Keys, Lothbury, London, was a pre-eminent and important early clockmaker who was appointed Master of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1697 and made a number of fine longcase, bracket and lantern clocks. This fine example was no doubt a commission for an important client.

Ebsworth was apprenticed to Richard Aymes on 23 February 1657, becoming free on the 3 April 1665. Ebsworth was an assistant to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1682, becoming a warden between 1694 and 1696; and finally Master in 1697.

Another notable longcase clock by John Ebsworth is in the V&A’s collection having been bequeathed by C.D.Rotch in 1961. (Black and white Image in gallery)

Other pieces by Ebsworth can be found in the Royal Collection. Of particular interest is a Table Clock gifted to His Royal Highness The Duke of York by members of his family on the occasion of his marriage on 26 April 1923. It is situated in the Garden Room at Clarence House.

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