Double Basket Top, Table Clock by Fromanteel & Clarke, Amsterdam circa 1700

This is an important Anglo-Dutch striking and repeating table clock in superb condition.

The eight day duration, double fusee movement with seven finned and latched pillars and Verge escapement. The fully engraved backplate of foliate design has a lower maker's oval that is signed "Fromanteel & Clarke". This is surrounded with an embellished scroll framing with a stylised Ho-Ho bird perched to the top. All of the engraving is flowing and symmetrical and the large, pierced backcock apron is also engraved. The repeat cord wheel is ringed and the movement sounds the hours on a top-mounted bell and also repeats the quarters at will on six vertical bells arranged in two opposing nests of three. The hammer heads are typically Dutch in design. The movement also has strike/silent selection and a short pendulum with a pear-drop bob.

The 7" wide x 8 1/4" high 'over square' brass dial has a silvered chapter ring with outer Arabic fives, a minute track, Roman hour numerals and an inner, quarter track. The half hour markings are of Tompion style cruciform design. The finely matted centre has an upper, curved, circled and chamfered false pendulum aperture with a silvered backing, well-ringed winding holes and a lower, square-chamfered and engraved calendar date aperture. This is also surrounded with scroll engraving. The chapter corners have gilded, winged putti, cast spandrels and the upper portion of the dial plate has foliate engraving that surround the maker's signature of "Fromanteel & Clarke". This is over the "N" and "S" slot (Non-striking/Striking).

The ebonised and ebony veneered case has a magnificent repousse, gilded brass, double basket top that has a swinging, opposed and embellished caryatid handle and the top carcass corners have cast and gilded floral finials that compliment four smaller ones situated on the basket break moulding. The wooden case structure is plain and angular with a returned top moulding, full-size front door that has a repoussé sound fret to the top spar and decorative escutcheons. The sides have rectangular repousse sound frets and the short plinth has a large double moulding. The case sits upon four gilded squashed bun feet and though plain in construction, the inner door frame and the side aperture frames are particularly finely moulded.

This is an exceptional clock, it was extensively restored by a previous owner and is incredibly original and well cared for. The delicate repoussé work is almost perfect and though the movement retains it's original wheelwork etc. The case carcass being not only of oak but also much softer deal has had replacement parts faithfully made and fitted. The Fromanteel and Clark partnership is well documented and the Fromanteel dynasty of clockmaking is considered by many to be the most important in Horology. Ahasuerus II was born in 1640 and was the son of Ahasuerus I. He was apprenticed to Simon Bartram and made free in 1663. It seems that he took over the family business in Holland in 1675 and died in 1703. Christopher Clarke was born in 1668 and is listed as from Kelloby (Killerby, County Durham). He married Anna who was Ahasuerus' daughter in 1694 and went into business with Ahasureus II and later, Ahasuerus' younger brother, Abraham in Amsterdam. He inherited a large amount of the Fromanteel fortune and at some point returned to London. He died in 1735.

The price is for the clock in its present, good working order. The datework is present and working and it sounds the hours and keeps to time. However, the movement would benefit from a complete overhaul as the quarter repeat and the strike/silent need attention. A cost for the required work can be advised upon enquiry.

The purchased item can be collected at a time mutually agreed, or if required, delivery can be arranged, for which we are happy to provide a quotation.

For further information, please email us at:

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk.