What is an English lantern clock?

An English lantern clock is an early form of weight-driven household timepiece encased predominantly in brass, popularised in England during the 17th century.

What materials are typically used to construct lantern clocks?

These timepieces are constructed using a brass frame, engraved brass dial plates, iron wheels and arbors, and a cast bell mounted on top.

How do horologists identify authentic 17th-century lantern clocks?

Authentic period examples feature single hour hands, hand-engraved chapter rings, maker inscriptions on the dial centre or fretwork, and period-appropriate iron movement components.

How do you style an antique lantern clock in a modern interior?

Position the clock on a wooden mantelpiece, side table, or wall bracket where its warm brass finish and sculptural bell top can serve as a focal point.

How should an antique brass lantern clock be maintained?

Dust the exterior gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid abrasive chemical polishes that strip historical patina, while having the movement oiled periodically by a professional clockmaker.

for sale €11,700 $12,700

£10,000

M. C. Taylor

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English Lantern Clock

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Id #SA1188282

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A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

17th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A good example of a clock by this eminent maker.

The short duration, separately wound wheel trains with tapered and un-colleted arbors and large pinions. Now having a long pendulum, Anchor Recoil escapement and the wheel trains are mounted in the usual way in 3 upright narrow plates. Countwheel striking the hours with a large hammer head within the top-mounted, cast bell.

The dial plate is engraved with a floral design with a blank area containing the maker's name of "Peter Closon Near Holborn Bridge Fecit" curving under the upper chapter ring. The chapter ring has 2 outer rings, short Roman hour numerals, wheat stalk half hour marks and an inner, divided quarter track. The blackened iron hand is well executed.

The pillared frame has typical turned urn finials and small ball feet. The bell is hung from a cross carrier that is sprung within the finials. All 3 'Dolphin' style frets are engraved which is unusual. The movement is substantial and well constructed.

* Peter Closon was born about 1595 and was apprenticed to Henry Stevens in 1608 for 8 years. He is considered a very famous maker and is well documented. It is believed that he died in 1660.

** This clock is almost identical to a clock by him (even down to the dimensions), that is now in the British Museum and is featured in the book 'Early English Clocks' by Dawson and Parker, page 64. This really is a lovely example of a lantern clock by a superb maker.

Please note: 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.

Dimensions: 14" high (to the top of the broken finial) x 5 3/4" wide x 5 3/4" deep (plates size)

Condition: The movement is dusty, dry and shows signs of considerable wear. The balance wheel escapement has been converted and to allow this, the whole alarum work has been removed, including the disc. The escapement however is almost experimental in appearance suggesting that it was made at the very beginning period (1657), of the newly invented escapement. The doors and iron backplate are missing also the weights. The bell carrier has been poorly repaired and along with the top finial, is not original. The hanging 'hoop' and spikes are also missing. 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 of course rectify all issues with these clocks and would be happy to discuss any requirements upon contact.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

35.4cm (13.94")

Width

14.6cm (5.75")

Depth

14.6cm (5.75")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this English Brass Lantern Clock to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1188282

Dealers Internal Reference

SA14530

Description

A good example of a clock by this eminent maker.

“

The short duration, separately wound wheel trains with tapered and un-colleted arbors and large pinions.

M. C. Taylor

Now having a long pendulum, Anchor Recoil escapement and the wheel trains are mounted in the usual way in 3 upright narrow plates. Countwheel striking the hours with a large hammer head within the top-mounted, cast bell.

fig 1. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 1. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

The dial plate is engraved with a floral design with a blank area containing the maker's name of "Peter Closon Near Holborn Bridge Fecit" curving under the upper chapter ring. The chapter ring has 2 outer rings, short Roman hour numerals, wheat stalk half hour marks and an inner, divided quarter track. The blackened iron hand is well executed.

fig 2. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 2. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

The pillared frame has typical turned urn finials and small ball feet. The bell is hung from a cross carrier that is sprung within the finials. All 3 'Dolphin' style frets are engraved which is unusual. The movement is substantial and well constructed.

fig 3. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 3. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

Peter Closon was born about 1595 and was apprenticed to Henry Stevens in 1608 for 8 years. He is considered a very famous maker and is well documented. It is believed that he died in 1660.

This clock is almost identical to a clock by him (even down to the dimensions), that is now in the British Museum and is featured in the book 'Early English Clocks' by Dawson and Parker, page 64. This really is a lovely example of a lantern clock by a superb maker.

fig 4. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 4. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

Please note: 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.

fig 5. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 5. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

Dimensions: 14" high (to the top of the broken finial) x 5 3/4" wide x 5 3/4" deep (plates size)

Condition: The movement is dusty, dry and shows signs of considerable wear. The balance wheel escapement has been converted and to allow this, the whole alarum work has been removed, including the disc. The escapement however is almost experimental in appearance suggesting that it was made at the very beginning period (1657), of the newly invented escapement. The doors and iron backplate are missing also the weights. The bell carrier has been poorly repaired and along with the top finial, is not original. The hanging 'hoop' and spikes are also missing. 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.

fig 6. An antique 17th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top-mounted bell, pierced floral fretwork, an engraved circular dial with Roman numerals, and a single hand. — fig 6. A Second Period English Lantern Clock by Peter Closon, London. circa 1650.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present condition. We can of course rectify all issues with these clocks and would be happy to discuss any requirements upon contact.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

35.4cm (13.94")

Width

14.6cm (5.75")

Depth

14.6cm (5.75")

Date of Manufacture

M. C. Taylor has dated this English Brass Lantern Clock to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers