Sworders
Lot 345
A William and Mary walnut and marquetry longcase clock by Joseph Windmills of London, c.1700, with an eight-day movement with six pillars, striking on a bell, the eleven-inch brass dial set with scrolling foliate spandrels and a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial and a round date aperture, inscribed 'J. Windmills, London', the hood with a pair of wrythen column pilasters, above a moulded long door with a glass lenticle, finely inlaid all-over with flowers, birds and butterflies, raised on a plinth base and bun feet, 37cm wide21cm deep199cm highProvenance: A private collection, Hertfordshire.Joseph Windmills (c.1640-1724) is credited as having been one of the great clockmakers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was made free of the Clockmakers' Company in July 1671 and in 1702 succeeded Thomas Tompion as its Master. A similar marquetry longcase by Windmills is housed in the King's Bedchamber in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland.Condition ReportGeneral knocks and wear to case throughout commensurate with age. Evidence of some repair, replacement and professional attention to the case, with some replacements, cleaning and later elements. The marquetry panels show sufficient signs of age, with historic shrinkage splits and small filled and repaired areas. The feet appear later replacements, with evidence of later timbers within the base section, and also to the hood. The seatboard appears to be a replacement, indicating that the movement and case may not have started life together. The pillars are not latched. General light surface wear to the face. The clock is purported to have been running well in the vendor's home, where it was well looked after, and ticks and strikes when wound, however we are unable to offer a guarantee that this represents full and complete working order, and would always recommend inspection by a professional following purchase. The bell lacking its nut. Aside from any historic repairs or alterations, overall the clock is structurally stable and appears in good cosmetic condition and is ready to place. Please see additional photos for further reference to condition.
