What is an English lantern clock?

A lantern clock is a type of weight-driven antique clock encased in a rectangular brass frame topped with a large bell dome, predominantly produced in England during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

What traditional materials and escapements were used in eighteenth-century lantern clocks?

These clocks were constructed primarily from cast brass plates and turned brass pillars, with steel or iron arbor shafts and verge escapements regulated by a crown wheel and balance or short pendulum.

How can you identify an authentic period lantern clock?

Authentic period examples feature hand-engraved brass dials, hand-cast decorative frets, original iron gear work with hand-filed teeth, and makers signatures engraved directly onto the dial or central plate.

How should an antique brass lantern clock be styled in a modern interior?

An antique lantern clock is commonly positioned on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or study bookshelf to serve as a focal historical accent within traditional, eclectic, or dark academia interior schemes.

How do you care for and preserve an antique brass clock?

Dust the brass exterior gently with a dry, soft cloth, avoiding abrasive brass polishes that strip historical patination, and ensure the internal movement is serviced by a professional horologist every three to five years.

for sale €7,547 $8,192

£6,450

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Clockmakers and restorers established 1987

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English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A very original and nice example of any early 18th century English lantern clock.

The weight driven 30 hour duration movement with a Verge escapement and short, rear-mounted, fixed pendulum and regulatory pear-drop bob. Also having internal rear-mounted alarum work with a double hitting hammer within the bell and an 'anti-clatter' wire. Countwheel striking the hours with a large hammer also within the top-mounted, cast bell that is hung from a sprung, crossed carrier within the top finials. The front and rear trains are pivoted within the usual 3, flat and upright carrying plates within the framed plates. The rear iron plate carries the alarum work.

The 4 cast brass, tapered corner pillars terminate with ball feet and urn finials. The ornate bell strap centre formerly carried a matching fifth finial. The removable side doors are tabbed and have sprung knobs.

The dial plate has engraved corners and centre. The upper centre has a space that bears the maker's signature of "William Barrow. LONDON". This follows the curve of the 6 1/4" diameter chapter ring and the central alarum setting disc. The chapter ring has outer, Roman hour numerals around a divided quarter track and also has cruciform half hour marks. The alarum setting disc has outer, Arabic numerals around a divided quarter track and a central tulip design. The cut iron hand is of typical period design.

The 3 cast brass top frets are of typical sea serpent or 'Dolphin' style, the front one being engraved.

* William Barrow was born about 1686. He was the son of John Barrow to whom he was apprenticed through the Clockmaker's Company in January 1701. He was freed (qualified) in July 1710. His father, John, became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1714.

Dimensions: 13" high (due to the broken finial) x 5 1/2" wide x 5 1/2" deep excluding the chapter ring and rear work.

Condition: This clock is extremely original including the doors, alarum work and escapement. It has suffered from a historical fall from the wall (99% of lantern clocks have). his has resulted in the top finial being broken off, the right hand door losing its top fixing tab and the hoop and spikes breaking off. The sprockets are for chain and appear original. The movement is very dusty (as purchased) but after comrehensive examination, appears that with a minor clean and lubrication, it will be in full working order including the striking and alarum work. The verge escapement is set very well and the movement has been historically well maintained it shows no or little signs of wear. The front fret and dial plate appears to have the remains of gilding and all the other case and frame parts have coloured down to a beautiful bronze colour - this would be preserved and greatly enhanced aesthetically with the application of a good wax polish.

Though the hoop and spikes are missing, the movement can be run if placed on one of our handmade lantern clock brackets, this is also much gentler on the clock as it removes all angular strain. The brackets are made from period English oak and are constructed without nails or screws.

Price: The price is for the clock in its current clean and working condition.

We can of course undertake any corrective work required by the purchaser and would be happy to discuss this with you.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

33cm (12.99")

Width

14cm (5.51")

Depth

13.3cm (5.24")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this English Brass Lantern Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1188252

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14526

Description

A very original and nice example of any early 18th century English lantern clock.

“

The weight driven 30 hour duration movement with a Verge escapement and short, rear-mounted, fixed pendulum and regulatory pear-drop bob.

M. C. Taylor

Also having internal rear-mounted alarum work with a double hitting hammer within the bell and an 'anti-clatter' wire. Countwheel striking the hours with a large hammer also within the top-mounted, cast bell that is hung from a sprung, crossed carrier within the top finials. The front and rear trains are pivoted within the usual 3, flat and upright carrying plates within the framed plates. The rear iron plate carries the alarum work.

fig 1. An eighteenth-century English brass lantern clock with an engraved dial, top bell structure, and pierced ornamental frets. — fig 1. English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

The 4 cast brass, tapered corner pillars terminate with ball feet and urn finials. The ornate bell strap centre formerly carried a matching fifth finial. The removable side doors are tabbed and have sprung knobs.

fig 2. An eighteenth-century English brass lantern clock with an engraved dial, top bell structure, and pierced ornamental frets. — fig 2. English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

The dial plate has engraved corners and centre. The upper centre has a space that bears the maker's signature of "William Barrow. LONDON". This follows the curve of the 6 1/4" diameter chapter ring and the central alarum setting disc. The chapter ring has outer, Roman hour numerals around a divided quarter track and also has cruciform half hour marks. The alarum setting disc has outer, Arabic numerals around a divided quarter track and a central tulip design. The cut iron hand is of typical period design.

fig 3. An eighteenth-century English brass lantern clock with an engraved dial, top bell structure, and pierced ornamental frets. — fig 3. English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

The 3 cast brass top frets are of typical sea serpent or 'Dolphin' style, the front one being engraved.

William Barrow was born about 1686. He was the son of John Barrow to whom he was apprenticed through the Clockmaker's Company in January 1701. He was freed (qualified) in July 1710. His father, John, became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1714.

fig 4. An eighteenth-century English brass lantern clock with an engraved dial, top bell structure, and pierced ornamental frets. — fig 4. English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

Dimensions: 13" high (due to the broken finial) x 5 1/2" wide x 5 1/2" deep excluding the chapter ring and rear work.

Condition: This clock is extremely original including the doors, alarum work and escapement. It has suffered from a historical fall from the wall (99% of lantern clocks have). his has resulted in the top finial being broken off, the right hand door losing its top fixing tab and the hoop and spikes breaking off. The sprockets are for chain and appear original. The movement is very dusty (as purchased) but after comrehensive examination, appears that with a minor clean and lubrication, it will be in full working order including the striking and alarum work. The verge escapement is set very well and the movement has been historically well maintained it shows no or little signs of wear. The front fret and dial plate appears to have the remains of gilding and all the other case and frame parts have coloured down to a beautiful bronze colour - this would be preserved and greatly enhanced aesthetically with the application of a good wax polish.

fig 5. An eighteenth-century English brass lantern clock with an engraved dial, top bell structure, and pierced ornamental frets. — fig 5. English Lantern Clock with Verge Escapement and Alarm. By William Barrow, London. circa 1715.

Though the hoop and spikes are missing, the movement can be run if placed on one of our handmade lantern clock brackets, this is also much gentler on the clock as it removes all angular strain. The brackets are made from period English oak and are constructed without nails or screws.