Early 1600'S English Lantern Clock Closely Resembling the Work of Robert Harvey. circa 1615.

This is an extremely early and rare clock.

The short duration movement (9, 12 or 15 hours) with separate winding sprockets to both trains. Having tapered and un-colleted arbors mounted in substantial upright plates. Now having a short pendulum, French style, verge escapement with a low count crown wheel. Also, countwheel striking on the top-mounted, smooth-cast bell that is hung from a cross strap with finial and sprung between the corner finials. The hammer head is extremely substantial and has a formed rod.

The very thinly beaten dial plate is frond foliate engraved to the centre with a blank area for the alarum setting disc. The 4 corners are also engraved but the lower 2 have spaces left for the maker's signature which has not been applied. The front pivot hole for the alarum release arbor can be seen by the edge of the chapter ring between the numerals X and XI. The very substantial, 6" diameter chapter ring has 2 outer circles, broad Roman hour numerals, line-and-star half hour marks and an inner, divided quarter track with alternate shaded divisions. The substantial one-piece, tailed iron hand is of simple but attractive form.

The case frame has turned, tapered pillars with elaborated 'ribbed' feet and well-formed top urn finials. The 3 cast brass frets are of the earliest form and the front one is engraved. The rear of the frame retains its top plate 'hoop' and tapered iron spikes that are fitted into the feet.

PLEASE NOTE:

There are many features of this clock that are extraordinarily similar to the work of Robert Harvey not least, the iconic hand, the dimensions and the dial plate and chapter ring form. It is also of the same period. The signature areas were quite often actually signed by the maker on early clocks and not the dial engraver. This practice was always used by Joseph Knibb and many 'Old Masters' of the art world. It is possible that the maker died before signing this clock. I feel that there has to be a very strong chance that this clock was actually made by Robert Harvey; not only because of the similarities but also because, if it wasn't made by him (and he is generally accepted as the first maker of them) then who else could have made it? This is a very important clock.

Robert Harvey of London is the first English Clockmaker known to have made true lantern clocks that still survive. He was born around 1580 and worked from Little Britain, Aldersgate, London. Only 2 lantern clocks that carry his signature are known. He left a clock to his younger and apprentice brother in his will "Immediately".

There is much to be learned about these clocks and their makers from the late Brian Loomes book 'Lantern clocks and their makers'.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" high x 5 7/8" deep x 5 3/4" wide (at the frame).

Condition: Of good colour and of sound condition. The original balance wheel escapement has been converted to the much more accurate Verge and short pendulum escapement. All of the alarum work and setting disc are missing as are the doors, iron backplate, pendulum rod and bob, chains and weights. The top finial is a later replacement and the sprocket centres have been modified to take chain. The bell are carrier are replacements and the back left finial is a matched, turned replacement. It is believed that 99% of lantern clocks have fallen from the wall at least once in their lifetime. This is the reason why so many of them have damaged or missing parts; they are heavy and landing upon a hard floor would without doubt, cause at least some damage.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present condition. We can carry out corrective work to these clocks and would be happy to discuss such work with someone who is interested in purchasing it.

Provenance: New to the market. Purchased from a renowned collector of Bristish heritage in France.

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