Lot 11

John Ebsworth (1643 - 1706) BAROQUE POCKET WATCH

Rare pocket watch by a prominent London watchmaker with a day and night indicator, under which is a precise execution of a floral motif with birds and mascara. This is a retrograde Roman hours for diurnal and nocturnal hours. John Ebsworth of Cross Keys, Lothbury, London was a leading and distinguished clockmaker who was appointed Master of the Clockmakers' Company in 1697 and produced a number of fine oblong, cantilever and lantern clocks. This fine example was undoubtedly a commission for a distinguished customer. In 1682 Ebsworth became an assistant to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, and was a trustee from 1694 to 1696 and master in 1697. Other Ebsworth clockworks are in the Royal Collection. Of particular interest is a table clock which members of the family presented to His Royal Highness the Duke of York on the occasion of his marriage on 26 April 1923. The clock is housed in the garden room at Clarence House. Signed by the maker of the mantle: J. Somer. Machine in running order.