What is a lantern clock?

Lantern clocks were the primary type of domestic clock produced in England during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, characterized by a brass box structure, topped with a bell and decorative frets.

What materials and construction methods are typical of early Georgian lantern clocks?

These timepieces are constructed predominantly from cast brass plates and columns, with steel arbors and gear trains, often operating via a verge escapement mechanism.

How do collectors identify an authentic 18th-century lantern clock?

Authentic period examples exhibit hand-engraved brass chapter rings, cast brass dolphin or floral frets, single or early double steel hands, and maker inscriptions across the dial centre.

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

A brass lantern clock functions as a focal accent when placed on a timber mantelpiece, framed within a bookshelf alcove, or displayed on a hallway console table.

What is the recommended maintenance for a historical brass lantern clock?

Dust the exterior brass elements with a dry microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid chemicals, and arrange for movement servicing by a qualified horologist every five to seven years.

for sale €3,510 $3,810

£3,000

M. C. Taylor

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18th Century Lantern Clock by Windmills & Bennet, London. Verge Escapement. circca 1725.

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A late example of a lantern clock by the prominent maker Thomas Windmills and his business partner, Thomas Bennet.

The 30 hour duration movement with Verge escapement. The short pendulum swings internally between the wheel trains that are pivoted within 4 upright narrow plates. These are held in place with lugs and wedges. Having countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell, held in place from a crossed carrier that in turn is sprung between the 4 top corner finials of urn shape. The movement is operated with the Huygens 'endless cord' method with the winding sprocket is fitted to the striking great wheel.

The 3 cast frets to the top are of 'dolphin' style and unusually, are all engraved. The 4 corner pillars are narrow and sit upon ball feet. The dial plate has engraving to the corners and centre with a blank area covered by an alarum setting disc (missing). The 6 1/2" diameter chapter ring has a ringed outer edge, Roman hour numerals, a divided and ringed inner, quarter track and diamond shaped half hour marks. The numeral VI is straddled with the maker's name of "Windmills & Bennet, London". The one-piece iron hand is tailed.

* Thomas Windmills (circa 1672 to 1737) was the son of the famous Joseph Windmills and was apprenticed to him in 1686. He became free of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695 and became a partner in his father's business about c.1700. He also became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1718. Thomas Bennet is said to have been in partnership with Windmills from 1720 until 1730. A tax assessment shows that in 1695, the Windmills family resided in the parish of All Hallows, Barking, by the Tower. Thomas died in 1737 and like his father, was buried at All Hallows, by the Tower. Unfortunately, the church has been destroyed.

It can't be overstated that the Windmills family were exceptional makers and it is believed that they collaborated with the likes of Tompion and Quare.

Dimensions: 14 3/4" high x 5 5/8" deep x 5 3/4" wide (top and bottom plates).

Condition: The clock is dirty and dusty but surprisingly, shows very little signs of wear and the wheel trains run very smoothly. The verge escapement is well-set and runs with a little thumb pressure - as does the striking train. The bell, carrier and top finial are not original but every other part - even the square-headed top screws appear totally original. All of the alarum work, setting disc, back plate, side doors, weight and hoop and spikes are missing, probably broken off during a fall from the wall which is so often the case. All of the brass has tarnished and resembles bronze.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present condition however, corrective work can be carried out if required by the purchaser.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

37.5cm (14.76")

Width

14.2cm (5.59")

Depth

14.6cm (5.75")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1190704

Dealers Internal Reference

SA17533

Description

A late example of a lantern clock by the prominent maker Thomas Windmills and his business partner, Thomas Bennet.

The 30 hour duration movement with Verge escapement.

“

The short pendulum swings internally between the wheel trains that are pivoted within 4 upright narrow plates.

M. C. Taylor

These are held in place with lugs and wedges. Having countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell, held in place from a crossed carrier that in turn is sprung between the 4 top corner finials of urn shape. The movement is operated with the Huygens 'endless cord' method with the winding sprocket is fitted to the striking great wheel.

fig 1. An 18th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top bell framed by curved straps, pierced fretwork, and an engraved circular dial. — fig 1. 18th Century Lantern Clock by Windmills & Bennet, London. Verge Escapement. circca 1725.

The 3 cast frets to the top are of 'dolphin' style and unusually, are all engraved. The 4 corner pillars are narrow and sit upon ball feet. The dial plate has engraving to the corners and centre with a blank area covered by an alarum setting disc (missing). The 6 1/2" diameter chapter ring has a ringed outer edge, Roman hour numerals, a divided and ringed inner, quarter track and diamond shaped half hour marks. The numeral VI is straddled with the maker's name of "Windmills & Bennet, London". The one-piece iron hand is tailed.

fig 2. An 18th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top bell framed by curved straps, pierced fretwork, and an engraved circular dial. — fig 2. 18th Century Lantern Clock by Windmills & Bennet, London. Verge Escapement. circca 1725.

Thomas Windmills (circa 1672 to 1737) was the son of the famous Joseph Windmills and was apprenticed to him in 1686. He became free of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695 and became a partner in his father's business about c.1700. He also became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1718. Thomas Bennet is said to have been in partnership with Windmills from 1720 until 1730. A tax assessment shows that in 1695, the Windmills family resided in the parish of All Hallows, Barking, by the Tower. Thomas died in 1737 and like his father, was buried at All Hallows, by the Tower. Unfortunately, the church has been destroyed.

fig 3. An 18th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top bell framed by curved straps, pierced fretwork, and an engraved circular dial. — fig 3. 18th Century Lantern Clock by Windmills & Bennet, London. Verge Escapement. circca 1725.

It can't be overstated that the Windmills family were exceptional makers and it is believed that they collaborated with the likes of Tompion and Quare.

Dimensions: 14 3/4" high x 5 5/8" deep x 5 3/4" wide (top and bottom plates).

fig 4. An 18th-century brass lantern clock featuring a top bell framed by curved straps, pierced fretwork, and an engraved circular dial. — fig 4. 18th Century Lantern Clock by Windmills & Bennet, London. Verge Escapement. circca 1725.

Condition: The clock is dirty and dusty but surprisingly, shows very little signs of wear and the wheel trains run very smoothly. The verge escapement is well-set and runs with a little thumb pressure - as does the striking train. The bell, carrier and top finial are not original but every other part - even the square-headed top screws appear totally original. All of the alarum work, setting disc, back plate, side doors, weight and hoop and spikes are missing, probably broken off during a fall from the wall which is so often the case. All of the brass has tarnished and resembles bronze.