M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
It has winding to both sprockets which is an early feature and allows the striking train to run down at night so as not to keep the owner awake. It also has countwheel hourly striking on the top-mounted large bell. The chapter ring fits within the top and bottom plates and is slightly trimmed. It has Roman hour numerals, Fleur-de-lys half hour markings and an inner quarter track. The dialplate centre has an open tulip centre design being within further tulips that frame the upper maker's signature of "Henry Burges" and is well-executed. The frame is 5 3/4" square by 5 3/4" deep and the chapter ring diameter is 6". The single piece, tailed hand is original. The front cast fret is engraved with the typical tulip design but also,'angry' sea serpents or dolphins. The bell is mounted with an iron spider which is a typical northern feature.
'Chamber' clocks, so-called because they were usually situated in the owners bed chamber and were the very first domestic timepieces. They are still very affordable considering their age, limited numbers and Horological importance. There is a misconception that most old Lantern clocks are fake, this is untrue because the cost of faking one of these items would probably be more than buying the real thing! What is true though is that most old Lantern clocks are not totally original. Because of their age and vulnerability, these clocks have quite often fallen off their wall fixings during their lifetime and finials, frets, bells, bellstraps and doors have become broken or damaged. Quite often, early owners paid for the escapements to be changed to the more accurate 'Anchor recoil' type with a long pendulum. Also, on very early examples, wheel trains have sometimes been changed so that they would run for 30 hours on a single winding instead of just 15 hours. Motion work was also sometimes added to allow a minute hand to be fitted instead of just an hour hand. It became popular in the 19th century to fit complete spring driven movements so that the clocks could be used on a table and only required winding once a week - this practise was carried out at considerable expense and was deemed along with the other alterations as 'improving' the clock. The originality of this clock however is very good.
Henry Burges (I) is believed to have been born in 1651 in Mobberley, Cheshire and he died in 1728. The clocks made by Henry (I) did not have the place name and a total of only four lantern clocks are known by him. Cheshire lantern clocks are very rare and an example with it's original 'fashioned' Anchor Recoil escapement and long pendulum rather than a conversion, are even rarer.
Condition: This clock is in surprisingly good condition and in working order. The backplate, doors and top finial have been replaced as is usually the case and the front fret has been repaired - all this indicates a fall as was so often the case. The left side fret has a section missing but this is due to the original mould not fitting completely. Some wheel work has been remade which would be due to long usage and eventual wear. The colour is very pleasing and the general 'feel' of this example is lovely. This clock would enhance any collection.
Price: The price is for the clock in its present and working condition. The cost and timescale of any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.
For further information please contact us at info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Clockmakers and restorers established 1987
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A Rare Northern English Lantern or 'House' Clock by Henry Burges Senior of Mobberley, Cheshire. Circa 1680.
