A Winged Lantern Clock with Original Verge Escapement by John Wright of Mansfield. Circa 1690

This is a handsome, late 17th century, English Chamber clock with glazed wings in very good condition.

The thirty hour, currently chain driven movement with its original knife edge, Verge escapement and between-the-trains, short internal pendulum. Count-wheel striking the hours on the top bell and the pendulum bob being in the form of a ship's anchor flukes that appears in the glazed wings at every swing.

The top four urn finials supporting the bell 'spider' and the bell being mounted with a matching, fifth finial. The front and side cast frets are of 'Dolphin' design and sit nicely beneath the bell. The 6 1/4" diameter chapter ring has Roman numerals, cruciform half hour markings and an inner, quarter hour ring. This is mounted with two fixings upon a profusely engraved 'Tulip' design dial plate with the upper centre bearing the maker's signature "John Wright in Mansfield" (Nottinghamshire). The opening side plates have well-proportioned 'wings' that are backed with faded red cloth and glazed to the front. They also carry tulip frets.

The top plate has a hanging hoop and the rear spikes have not been fitted to the replaced rear plate.

This clock was part of the Brian Loomes collection and according to research carried out by him, a maker of this name married at Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, on the 6th June 1675 to Mary Curtle but also, another John Wright was married there in 1678/79 to Rebecca Blankley and he was a Quaker, who was also possibly buried there in 1707. This so far is one example of only three clocks that Brian has found being named by this maker.

This is a very handsome 'Lantern' clock and though the wings and anchor flukes are a Victorian 'improvement', we intend leaving them. We also intend to convert it back to being rope driven. The spikes can be refitted as this is not the bracket that belongs to it however, we can make a bracket in any colour of oak if desired at an extra cost as it may be seen to greatly enhance the clock but more importantly, is a lot gentler as it supports the clock from the feet and eliminates strain from hanging.

The price is for the item in overhauled and re-converted condition.

For further information please contact us via email at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk