JACOBUS GOUBERT, LONDON, 1695
Description:
A fine and small spring driven table clock in an ebony veneered case. The clock stands only 11 ¾ in high and is in the typical style of the period. The case is surmounted by a “double S” carrying handle, with four ‘flame’ finials and intricate decorative mounts. The front door’s central frieze has a fine gilt brass inset foliate fret with a cherub’s head, repeated on the side frets and echoed through the fine scroll escutcheons each side of the front door. The 6 inch square brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and wing and cherub spandrels to the four corners. The centre is finely matted with original pierced and faceted blue steeled hands, the date aperture below XII o’clock is engraved and the winding hole is surrounded with decorative rings. The fully restored verge movement runs for eight days and has a pear shaped pendulum bob. There is also pull repeatwork for sounding the hours and quarters on two separate bells. The backplate is beautifully engraved with floral and foliate scrolls and is signed Jacobus Goubert London. James Goubert was a French maker who worked in London, and was made a free brother of the Clockmakers Company in September 1690. Loomes notes in his book ‘The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain’ that his only known works are bracket clocks signed ‘Jacobus Goubert - London’. There are very close similarities between this clock and those of the more famous makers Joseph and John Knibb. The dial layout, the datework set below XII and the shape and size of the ebony dome topped case with its exquisite brass mounts and escutcheons are all the hallmarks of the Knibb workshop.
Clockmaker: JACOBUS GOUBERT, LONDON
Circa: 1695
Stock Number: 3602
Height: (excluding handle) 11.75 inches