A Charles II brass lantern clock with alarm Robert Cosbey, London, circa 1665 The posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separately wound trains and verge escapement regulated by brass balance set above the top plate, the dial with a central rose decorated alarm disc enveloped by stylised leafy tulip sprays issuing from a three-petal flowerhead positioned just above six o'clock and interrupted by the signature Robert Cosbey at the dyall in, Rood Lane London to upper margin, with iron hand within applied narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised wheatear half hour markers and engraved leafy infill to angles, the standard London third period frame with column turned corner posts beneath dolphin inhabited foliate pierced frets, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer, the sides with hinged brass doors and the rear with an iron backplate fitted with an alarm mechanism hanging hoop and spurs, (escapement and alarm restored), 37.5cm (14.75ins) high. Robert Cosbey is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as born in around 1646 and was apprenticed to Peter Closon gaining his freedom of the Clockmaker’s Company in 1655. In 1672 he was fined for refusing to become a Steward of the Company however had been elevated to Assistant by 1674. Cosbey never became a Warden and ceased attending in 1685. It is probable that he died fairly soon after as his name does not appear on the 1697 Oath of Allegiance. The current lot is a textbook example of London third period practice using frame castings developed probably just prior to 1660 (see White, George 'English Lantern clocks' page 180 figures IV/37 - IV/39 and lot 153). By this time the design of the dial engraving had also become relatively standardised hence the ‘tulip’ decoration on the current lot can be closely compared with that seen on a clock by Benjamin Hill which was sold in these rooms on Tuesday 15th September 2015 (lot 155), as well as numerous other examples by the likes of Richard Ames and Thomas Wheeler made during the 1660's-70's.
We found 4372 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 4372 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
4372 item(s)/page
An English brass lantern clock Bearing a signature for Thomas Knifton, third quarter of the 17th century and later With countwheel striking movement incorporating Huygens’s endless winding and now with anchor escapement for regulation by pendulum swinging behind the frame at the rear, the dial with a central rose decorated vestigial alarm disc enveloped by stylised leafy tulip sprays issuing from a three-petal flower head positioned just above six o'clock, with sculpted iron hand within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised wheatear half hour markers and engraved leafy infill to angles, the standard London third period frame with column turned corner posts beneath dolphin inhabited foliate pierced frets incorporating engraved text Thomas Knifton at the (crossed keys symbol) in Lothbury to the front, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer, the sides and rear with hinged brass doors (no pendulum or weights, lacking top finial), 34cm (13.25ins) high.
A rare Swiss wooden weight-driven wall clock retaining original polychrome painted decoration Unsigned, probably Toggenburg, mid 18th century The posted wooden movement with solid wheels and lantern pinions, the going train set in front of strike train incorporating verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum swinging in front of the dial, the strike train of single arbor warnless type with overlift provided by a kidney-shaped cam and with wooden countwheel positioned within an enclosed section behind the frame sounding via a vertically pivoted hammer on a bell mounted above the top panel, the 6 inch wide dial panel with central pin-hole alarm disc and wooden hand within Roman numeral chapter ring with red concentric coach-line border over conforming quarter-hour dial with disc-shaped hand, within an olive green painted field polychrome decorated with floral spray infill beneath leaf painted fleur-de-lys centred scroll-pierced crest, the sides with break-arch pin-hinged doors and the conforming rear panel with iron hanging strap, (lacking alarm crownwheel and weights), 31.5cm (12.5ins) high. The current lot can be compared to an example dated 1757 believed to have been made in Toddenburg, Switzerland illustrated in Tardy LA PENDULE FRANCAISE, 3,me Partie: Provinces et Etranger on page 456 (lower left). Other than the verge escapement regulated by short pendulum the movement of the current lot closely follows those of iron chamber clocks made in both Switzerland and Germany during the second half of the 16th century. In particular the single-arbor warnless striking is typical of such examples and the alarm disc incorporating holes for inserting a pin to release the mechanism along with the subsidiary quarter-hour dial are features also often seen (see Bassermann-Jordan, Hans Von THE BOOK OF OLD CLOCKS AND WATCHES page 106, Fig 80.).
A second period brass lantern clock with later spring movement The front fret signed for William Selwood, London, circa 1640, the movement late 19th century Now with four pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by a short lenticular bob pendulum and passing strike sounding on the original bell above, the dial engraved with central flowerhead enveloped by stylised leafy floral sprays issuing from another flowerhead positioned just above six o'clock and incorporating large blooms to upper and lower margins, with original iron hour hand and later minute hand carefully made to match within applied narrow silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised wheatear hour markers and engraved leafy infill to angles, the standard London second period 'Lothbury' frame with column turned corner posts beneath engraved foliate scroll pierced shield centred stapwork fret signed William sellwood at y’e Mermayd in Lothbury to lower edge and plain side frets, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer above, the sides with hinged brass doors, on turned ball feet, 38cm (15ins) high. William Selwood was born in Abingdon in Berkshire in 1607 and is recorded as a Free Brother in the Clockmakers' Company in 1633 until his death in 1653. He trained under Henry Stevens from 1624 to 1632, and worked at the Mermaid in Lothbury till his death in 1653. Selwood was succeeded by his is former pupil, Thomas Loomes, who married Mary, the daughter of Ahasuerus Fromanteel in 1654. A clock by Selwood with related dial engraving to the current lot (albeit around an alarm disc) is illustrated in White, George English Lantern Clocks on page 134 (figure III/14). White also illustrates two further dials by Henry Ireland and Thomas Knifton (both of whom were apprenticed to William Selwood) which also exhibit very similar engraving (figures III/15 and III/14 respectively). The design of fret used on the present clock is of the earlier 'strapwork' type (which was generally phased-out during the 1650's in favour of the later 'foliate' pattern - see White page 144), whilst the frame castings are of typical second period 'Lothbury' pattern which were mainly in use up until around 1660 (see lot 154). These details reflect the fact that by the 1650's Lothbury had become a hub for the horological trade mainly due to the abundant supply of brass and iron from nearby foundries. The efficient supply of raw castings lead to the emergence of a degree of standardisation (assisted by many workshops having shared roots) with regards to frame patterns, dial engraving and fret design. During the latter part of the 19th century the re-purposing of ‘historic’ objects became fashionable in order to create interiors which had an authentic feel of antiquity. Regrettably this fashion meant that many items (particularly furniture) were altered in form and/or had decorative elements added. At this time many original lantern clock survivors were converted from weight-driven to spring movements in order that they can rest on a table or mantelpiece, indeed they became so popular as decorative objects that reproductions began to be made. The current lot was converted at this time however the all of the original frame elements were retained as well as the hour hand hence the original appearance of the clock has been largely preserved and it has good rich patination.
A scarce brass lantern clock hand Possibly from the workshop of Edward Webb, Somerset or Bristol, late 17th Century Made from cast brass with oval boss and shaft terminating with twin foliate scrolls joined by a heart issuing bead-filed tip, the tail of conforming shorter profile, 5.4cm (2.125ins); 8.4cm (3.25ins) long overall. The current lot is an example of a classic ‘Bristol’ cast brass hand as drawn in George White English Lantern Clocks on page 229 (Fig V/32 C.). This particular casting appears on almost all the surviving clocks by Edward Webb of Chew Stoke (see lot 196) which suggests that this pattern may have originated from Webb’s foundry.
Horological reference - approximately thirty titles: Mercer, Vaudrey THE FRODSHAMS, THE STORY OF A FAMILY OF Chronometer Makers The Antiquarian Horological Society, Ramsgate 1981, dj; Tardy DICTIONNAIRE DES HORLOGERS FRANCAIS Paris 1971, softbound; Dawson, P.G., Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1982, dj; Barder, Richard C.R. The GEORGIAN BRACKET CLOCK, 1714-1830 Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1993, dj; Rose, Ronald E. English DIAL CLOCKS Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1978, dj; Roberts, Derek SKELETON CLOCKS, BRITAIN 1800-1914 Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1987, dj; Robinson, Tom THE LONGCASE CLOCK Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1989, dj; Shenton, Alan and Rita COLLECTABLE CLOCKS, 1840-1940, Reference and Price Guide Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1994, dj; Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their History and development Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1974, dj; Britten, F.J. The Antique Collectors’ Club edition of Old Clocks and watches & Their Makers Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1994, dj; Hana, w.F.J. English Lantern Clocks Blandford Press, Poole 1979, dj; Banfield, Edwin BAROMETERS Aneroid and Barographs Baros Books, Trowbridge 1985, dj; Banfield, Edwin BAROMETERS Stick or Cistern Tube Baros Books, Trowbridge 1985, dj, and a further selection of general standard reference works, (qty).
A very rare French Louis XIII small brass lantern or chamber clock G. Estienne, Caen, first half of the 17th century The posted two train bell striking movement with fine Roman Doric turned corner posts and separately wound trains with the going now with verge escapement for regulation by short small bob pendulum, the dial with fine foliate scroll decorated hour disc applied with sculpted steel trefoil hand tip and engraved with Arabic hour numerals for the alarm to outer track, within applied silvered narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with cruciform half hour markers, set onto a dial plate finely engraved with tulip, poppy, narcissi and other floral blooms and trails to the upper and lower margins, beneath conforming engraved shaped front fret centred with a vacant cartouche, small acorn finials and iron-strap bell bearer surmounted with a bulbous brass finial, the base with frame securing nuts and engraved G. Estienne ACaen to underside, (unrestored, formerly verge with balance regulation, lacking countwheel, pendulum rod, alarm and alarm hand; the bell and bearer replaced), 18cm (7ins) high excluding bell and bearer. G. Estienne of Caen does not appear to be recorded in the usual sources. The engraving to the dial plate of the current is very finely executed and composed of scrolling floral trails with different blooms arranged in a symmetrical manner. This engraving can be compared to that on the dial of a chamber clock dated 1588 by Francis Nawe illustrated in Dawson, Percy G.; Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks on page 18 (Plate 5), which although incorporates grotesques and a small amount of strapwork is very similar in feel and quality. Francis Nawe was a Huguenot immigrant who is believed to have come to London from Antwerp in around 1575 and died of the plague in 1593. Other timepieces with related engraving are two very similar small table clocks by Bartholomew Newsam illustrated in Early English Clocks on pages 26 (Plate 19) and 29 (Plate 26) and another drum clock by the same maker illustrated on page 28 (Plate 22). George White in English Lantern Clocks also illustrates the side panel of Francis Nawe’s 1588 clock (on page 58, Figures II/23 & 24) and notes that the designs were after Etienne de Laune and Abraham de Bruyn. When the engraving on these late 16th century clocks are compared to those a little later in date it becomes clear that the size of the flowerheads increased and the designs became more abstracted although the symmetrical balance remained. This is well illustrated on the dial of wall alarm timepiece dating to before 1615 by Robert Harvey, London, illustrated in White, George English Lantern Clocks on page 61 (Figure II/30). Interestingly on the same page White also illustrates a possibly English unsigned steel and brass chamber clock with related dial engraving and similar arrangement of hour hand tip applied to revolving disc (this time indicating the lunar calendar) within the chapter ring. One final clock with floral engraved dial worth considering is a silver example by David Bouquet dating to around 1650 illustrated in Early English Clocks on page 61 (Plate 69). The engraved blooms on this example are much larger than the present clock although some semblance of symmetry is retained whilst the quality of execution is good but not as fine as that on the current lot. From the above observations it would seem appropriate to suggest a date of around 1625 for the current lot. The movement was originally made with verge escapement with balance wheel regulation and has separately wound trains which also suggests an early date of manufacture.
A William and Mary eight-day longcase clock movement with 10 inch dial Edward Stanton, London, circa 1695 The five finned pillar countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement for regulation by a seconds pendulum, the 10 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial, ringed winding holes and scroll border engraved calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers, Arabic five minutes within the outer minute track and signed Edw’d Stanton, Londini Fecit to lower margin, with fine sculpted steel hands and cast winged cherub head spandrels to angles within a scribed line border (no pendulum or weights). Edward Stanton is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as born in about 1641 and apprenticed to Francis Bowen (a journeyman for William Bowyer) in 1655 before being transferred to Nathaniel Allen by 1662. Stanton gained his freedom of the Clockmakers’ Company in January 1662/63 and is believed to have moved to Fetter Lane in the Parish of St. Dunstan in the West by 1666. He took in many apprentices most notably William Cattell (freed 1672) and Samuel Stevens (freed 1671). Many of Edward Stanton’s (particularly his lantern clocks) are signed with his address at ‘Leaden Hall Street’ probably executed in his own hand as records indicate that he was also an engraved who was accused of engraving Robert Seigniour’s name on a clock made by Henry Jones. In 1688 he witnessed the will of his former apprentice, William Cattell and was overseer to the execution of John Ebsworth’s will in 1699. Edward Stanton served made an Assistant of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1682, served as a Warden from 1693 and became Master of the Company in 1697. He was also one of the original subscribers of the Bank of England when it was founded in 1694 depositing £100, and signed the Clockmakers Company oath of Allegiance whilst serving as Master in 1697. Stanton had an illness in 1701/2 and is believed to have died in 1715.
A fine and very rare lantern clock minute hand Possibly from the workshops of Thomas Knifton or Peter Closon, London, mid 17th century Made from forged sculpted steel with circular boss and faceted filed tapered shaft decorated with a banded collar at the, the tail of conforming shorter profile terminating with a spade-shaped finial, from centre to tip 8.9cm (3.5ins), 13.3cm (5.25ins) long overall. Lantern clocks made to read the minutes as well as the hours are very rare with most being larger quarter chiming examples. Of the few makers who made such clocks Peter Closon and Thomas Knifton appear to be the most prolific. An example by each maker are illustrated in White, George English Lantern Clocks on page 136 (Figure III/20) and 136 (Figure III/22).
A lantern clock hand Anonymous, probably provincial, late 17th century Made from forged sculpted steel with circular boss and short tapered faceted shaft terminating with twin foliate scrolls joined by a heart issuing pointed tip, the tail formed as a spike filed with ogee decoration to tip, from centre to tip 6cm (2.375ins); 9.6cm (3.75ins) long overall. The current lot is heavy in its construction and well finished with the design being typical of the late 17th century. The form appears influenced by hour hands seen on high-end eight-day longcase clocks of the period, hence it is also possible that the present hand may have fitted to a hooded wall clock or small thirty-hour longcase.
A fine and rare first period lantern clock hand Anonymous, second quarter of the 17th century Made from forged sculpted steel with oval boss and half-round filed tapered shaft decorated with a banded collar at the root and terminating with twin foliate scrolls issuing reverse arrow shaped tip, the tail of conforming shorter profile terminating with an acorn finial, from centre to tip 6.7cm (2.25ins); 8.9cm (3.5ins) long overall. The current hand is of a design that originated in the early 17th century with versions appearing on examples by William Bowyer amongst others and remained popular until around 1680. Peter Closon seemed to prefer the design as it appears on many clocks by him made during the turbulent middle years of the 17th century. The current lot would appear to be a relatively early example of the type as it has an oval central boss as well as a distinctive acorn finial to the tail, later examples tend to have circular centres and terminate the tail with a spike. Indeed present hand can be compared to that fitted to a first period lantern clock by William Selwood previously in the Iden collection. Dating to around 1635 this clock is illustrated in Loomes, Brian LANTERN CLOCKS and Their Makers on page 74 (Fig. 6.48).
A George III brass lantern clock James Wilson, London, circa 1760 The posted countwheel bell striking two-handed movement with verge escapement for regulation by short bob pendulum swinging at the rear behind the frame, the eight inch brass break-arch dial with central vestigial alarm disc to the matted centre within applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with pierced steel hands and rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles beneath arch centred with a circular boss signed James Wilson, LONDON flanked by conforming mounts, with domed bearer enclosing bell supported over vase finials behind over hanging hoop, brass backplate and on ball feet, (lacking pendulum bob, alarm, side doors and weights), 31cm (12.25ins) high. James Wilson is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as working circa 1775.
A brass lantern clock, the eight day brass twin fusee movement with an anchor escapement and striking on a bell, with a circular dial with Roman numerals and an engraved centre, signed 'Smorthwaite Colchester', the case with urn finials and pierced fret panels, the front engraved with dolphins, on ball feet, early 18th century and later, 37.2cm high.
A large brass and wood lantern style mantel clock with French gong striking movement marked C L A Paris. 161 4.4 , 42 cm tall, wooden case with brass overlay, surmounted by five matched finials with straps , bell and decorative engraved panels, hinge decoration to sides, decorative copper tone fleur-de-lys hands, with numbered pendulum and key.Condition: missing one brass foot to back. Some old woodworm in case, movement ticking/ striking needs service.
ATT. TO JAMES OGDEN, HALIFAX. A LATE 17th CENTURY LANTERN CLOCK the case surmounted by iron bell straps with unusual hollowed stop terminals that cup around the finials, below are pierced dolphin frets above a 6" engraved Roman chapter ring surrounding a foliate engraved centre with moon face below the twelve fronting a posted framed 30 hour weight driven movement with anchor escapement striking the hours on a bell 37cm high - This clock has been written about by Brian Loomes who says it from the Ogden workshop.
A LATE 17th CENTURY ENGLISH LANTERN CLOCK SIGNED WITH INITIALS 'SB' probably for Samuel Bretts London, having a brass bell strap supporting a large bell above a 6.25" brass engraved Roman chapter ring surrounding a foliate engraved centre fronting a posted framed weight driven striking movement with verge escapement 33.5cm high
A brass cased lantern-type mantel clock with French movement, a late 19th century carriage clock inscribed 'C.McI. from J.F.F-J. 28.Novr. 1887' to top with dial indistinctly stamped (dial af), a Smiths mantel clock, and oversized pocket watch with dial stamped 'W.B.S Colombo Rial Regulator Swiss Made' with movement signed 'Favre-Leuba' and a 'Starboard' lantern (5).Additional InformationNone tested, no guarantee of working order, general wear throughout, carriage clock dial with apparent crack and repair to upper section, the pocket watch with one loose glass, all sold as seen.
An 18th Century Turkish Market Arched Brass Dial Lantern Clock, signed Geo Clarke, Leaden Hall Street, London, circa 1760, 8-inch arched brass dial, chapter ring with Turkish numerals, arch with silvered plaque signed, side opening doors with Turkish crescent symbol, pierced frets, hoop and spikes, verge escapement, striking on a bell, bob pendulum, 36.5cm high 05.06.19. Dial is slightly discoloured, movement is complete, later small disc behind the dial to support the centre hand arbor, later pendulum bob and rod, with weight.
An interesting collection of items to include a two train mantel clock, a mahogany jewellery box, a writing slope, two boxes of late 19th century magic lantern slides of nursery/humorous subjects, smoking related items including lighters, a Bakelite tea caddy, a collection of photographic items, boxed View Master, etc

-
4372 item(s)/page