An Archibald Knox Cymric silver clock for Liberty & Co

Price range:  Sold

Sold to a leading European collection is this rare silver Liberty & Co Cymric clock, designed by Archibald Knox, dated Birmingham 1902.  This is one of Knox’s largest clock designs, showing the influence of C.F.A. Voysey.  It is well known in pewter model 0761, but only one other silver version is known.  In silver it is model 5053.

This clock has a lovely play of green blue enamel, matching enamelled hands, and silver dial.  All the enamels are in excellent original condition. The clock dial reads “Festina Lente”.  The Festine Lente dial is a Knox original design seen on his sketch for his first clock, named the “Olaf”.  Festina Lente translates as “take it easy” or “more haste, less speed”, an everyday gaelic phrase on the Isle of Man.

The other known example of this clock in silver appears as a full page image on page 232 of Dr Stephen Martin’s book on Archibald Knox.

The clock is in excellent working condition.

Provenance: Bonhams December 2020.

Maker: Liberty & Co

Designer: Archibald Knox

Date : 1902

Marks: L & Co, Birmingham, date letter “c”

Material: Sterling silver, enamel dial

Condition: Excellent. Marks slightly rubbed

Size: 20.5 cm high

Weight : NM