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 Antique Brass Lantern Clock to the 17th Century.
The short duration (1 day), weight driven, strap framed, timepiece with alarum movement.
The alarum train is situated behind the going train and has a smaller sprung sprocket. The arbors are tapered and early style collets have been used also, the pinion leaves appear to be hand cut.
Behind a thick, rectangular, single piece, cast brass dial that measures 5 1/2" wide x 7 1/2" high and is pinned to visible protruding tabs from the movement above and below the outer chapter ring. The ringed chapter area has engraved and filled Roman hour numerals, an inner quarter track with hour dots and also cruciform style half hour markings. The plain centre carries the 6 pointed alarum setting disc with Arabic hour numerals within rings. The upper dial corners bear floral spandrel decoration and the lower portion has the maker's name of "James Wood" in italic script. The single iron hand is tailed with a loop-scrolled end.
Contained in a simply constructed, deal and oak box case which typically has the bell stand directly fixed to the back board. It has a removeable tray top and iron hoop and spikes fixings. The dial has holes at the X and II edge positions that correspond to holes in the case sides to allow pinning for fixing.
This timepiece is extremely similar to an example featured on page 40 in the excellent reference book 'TIME & PLACE English Country Clocks 1600 - 1840' published by the Antiquarian Horological Society. It is stated that the example is probably from Southern England and has features that are similar to London-made lantern clocks. There is a listed London maker called James Wood who did not sign the oath of allegiance in 1697 and was never freed therefore, this example could have been made by him; possibly his apprentice piece but he would not dare to add the word "LONDON"!
It cannot be overstated how rare this little clock is especially considering the originality and completeness. It was relatively cheaply made and has had little intrinsic value over the centuries so it is surprising that it has survived.
Dimensions: 11 1/2" high including the bell x 6 5/8" wide x 7 1/2" deep including the spikes.
Condition: The movement is very worn and the going train sprocket has been changed from rope to chain driven. The suspension tab on the back cock has been crudely repaired with soft solder and the pallet arbor has been bent to deepen the worn pallets. An iron washer has been historically riveted on to the left hand hoop fixing and the centuries old iron plates to the back may have been added after making to give added strength. The colour is very pleasing and the dial and case show signs of wear and age. There are losses to the dial waxing and originally, the dial would have been silvered and the hand would have been heat and oil blackened. To the right are some 20 photographs in an attempt to give a true representation of the appearance.
The movement can be non-cosmetically overhauled to provide a full working guarantee and the pallet arbor re-formed also, an original sprocket can be fitted to the great wheel arbor. This would however, incur a charge that can be advised upon enquiry.
Price: The price is for the clock in its present condition.
For further information please contact us at
info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk
M. C. Taylor has dated this Antique Brass Lantern Clock 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
Rare English Weight Driven Wall Clock with Alrum by James Wood. circa Late 17th Century.
