What defines a William and Mary table clock?

Developed during the late 17th century in England, William and Mary table clocks feature ebonised or veneered architectural cases, gilded brass mounts, and eight-day striking movements often fitted with a brass carrying handle.

What materials are typically used in 17th-century English bracket clocks?

These clocks usually feature ebonised fruitwood or oak cases, brass dial plates with cast gilt spandrels, silvered brass chapter rings, and precision steel and brass clockwork movements.

How do you identify an authentic 17th-century table clock?

Authentic late 17th-century pieces feature hand-engraved brass dials, latched movement pillars, crown wheel escapements or early conversions, and maker signatures engraved on the dial plate or movement backplate.

How can a period table clock be styled in a contemporary interior?

Place the clock as a focal point on a fireplace mantelpiece, console table, or library bookshelf, pairing it with dark wood tones, brass accents, or structured minimalism to complement its architectural silhouette.

What is the best method for preserving an ebonised antique clock case?

Dust the case gently with a soft microfibre cloth, keep the movement regularly serviced by a qualified horologist, and maintain a stable indoor humidity level to prevent timber movement and metal tarnish.

for sale €31,473 $34,163

£26,900

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Id #SA1157215

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A 17th Century William and Mary Eight-day Table Clock by Isaac Lowndes, 1695

Name: A 17th Century William and Mary Eight-day Table Clock by Isaac Lowndes, 1695
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1157215
Price: 26900 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Description

A fine William and Mary eight-day spring-driven table clock signed on the backplate, Isaac Lowndes Pallmall Court, c.1695.

The elegantly proportioned ebony-veneered oak domed top case has large rectangular viewing windows to the sides so that the movement is almost entirely visible. The front door is embellished by large pierced repoussé strips, the left one being an elaborate escutcheon. The dome is also adorned by a pierced ornament, which, together with the pierced ebony strip at the top rail of the front door functions as a sound fret. The case rests on four brass bun feet.

The fine square brass dial has a matted centre and delicately ringed winding holes. There is a date aperture below and a strike/silent lever above the XII, unusually flanked by the name of the maker: Isaac Lowndes. This is matched by the engraving at the bottom of the dial: London. The dial has an applied silvered chapter ring and winged cherub-head spandrels in the corners. The chapter ring is engraved with a narrow outer minute ring within which are Arabic five-minute numerals, a central ring with Roman hours I-XII and ornate half-hour markers and an inner ring divided into quarter hours. The time is indicated by an elegant pair of pierced period blued steel hands.

The striking eight-day twin fusee five pillar brass movement has a verge escapement with a short knife-suspended pendulum. The striking, which is regulated by an internal rack, indicates the hours fully on a bell. The backplate is profusely engraved in period style around a typical signature cartouche with the maker’s name: Isaac Lowndes Pallmall Court. The movement has pull-quarter repeat on three bells differing in pitch for the quarters and an additional bell for the hours.

The maker

Isaac Lowndes was born in Knutsford, Cheshire, in 1660. He was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1682. He married Ann Wally in 1687. He took several apprentices and in 1694 lived on the south side of Pall Mall in St James’s Parish, separately from the other members of the Lowndes family, Jonathan and Charles. He was last mentioned in 1702.

Literature:

B. Loomes, The Clockmakers of Great Britain 1286-1700, Ashbourne, 2014, p.327.

B. Loomes, Watchmakers and clockmakers of the World, London, 2006, p.495.

Declaration

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this William and Mary Table Clock to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1157215

Dealers Notes

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.

Description

A fine William and Mary eight-day spring-driven table clock signed on the backplate, Isaac Lowndes Pallmall Court, c.1695.

“

The elegantly proportioned ebony-veneered oak domed top case has large rectangular viewing windows to the sides so that the movement is almost entirely visible.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

The front door is embellished by large pierced repoussé strips, the left one being an elaborate escutcheon. The dome is also adorned by a pierced ornament, which, together with the pierced ebony strip at the top rail of the front door functions as a sound fret. The case rests on four brass bun feet.

fig 1. An ebonised William and Mary table clock featuring a brass carrying handle, gilt ornate spandrels, and a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. — fig 1. A 17th Century William and Mary Eight-day Table Clock by Isaac Lowndes, 1695

The fine square brass dial has a matted centre and delicately ringed winding holes. There is a date aperture below and a strike/silent lever above the XII, unusually flanked by the name of the maker: Isaac Lowndes. This is matched by the engraving at the bottom of the dial: London. The dial has an applied silvered chapter ring and winged cherub-head spandrels in the corners. The chapter ring is engraved with a narrow outer minute ring within which are Arabic five-minute numerals, a central ring with Roman hours I-XII and ornate half-hour markers and an inner ring divided into quarter hours. The time is indicated by an elegant pair of pierced period blued steel hands.

fig 2. An ebonised William and Mary table clock featuring a brass carrying handle, gilt ornate spandrels, and a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. — fig 2. A 17th Century William and Mary Eight-day Table Clock by Isaac Lowndes, 1695

The striking eight-day twin fusee five pillar brass movement has a verge escapement with a short knife-suspended pendulum. The striking, which is regulated by an internal rack, indicates the hours fully on a bell. The backplate is profusely engraved in period style around a typical signature cartouche with the maker’s name: Isaac Lowndes Pallmall Court. The movement has pull-quarter repeat on three bells differing in pitch for the quarters and an additional bell for the hours.

fig 3. An ebonised William and Mary table clock featuring a brass carrying handle, gilt ornate spandrels, and a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. — fig 3. A 17th Century William and Mary Eight-day Table Clock by Isaac Lowndes, 1695

The maker

Isaac Lowndes was born in Knutsford, Cheshire, in 1660. He was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1682. He married Ann Wally in 1687. He took several apprentices and in 1694 lived on the south side of Pall Mall in St James’s Parish, separately from the other members of the Lowndes family, Jonathan and Charles. He was last mentioned in 1702.

Literature:

B. Loomes, The Clockmakers of Great Britain 1286-1700, Ashbourne, 2014, p.327.

B. Loomes, Watchmakers and clockmakers of the World, London, 2006, p.495.

Date of Manufacture

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this William and Mary Table Clock to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1157215

About the Dealer

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries