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Fine Clocks, Barometers & Scientific Instruments: Including The Dr. John A. Robey Collection Part I
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Auction dates
Sep 10, 2026 10:30 AM BST
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Ɵ DIDEROT, DENIS AND D'ALEMBERT, JEAN LE ROND ENCYCLOPEDIA, THE COMPLETE ILUSTRATIONS Facsimile compilation of plates extracted from various editions spanning 1762-77, four-volume set plus index, Henry N. Abrams, New York 1978, quarter faux blue leather with grey boards gilt titles to spines, contained within a conforming card slipcase, (5). Provenance: The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. The present lot is a compilation of 3115 facsimile plates taken from the 'Encyclopedie, ou Dictionnaire des Sciences et des metiers' compiled by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert from contributions by 140 authors over a span twenty years (1751-72). This monumental work consists of twenty-eight volumes containing over 70,000 articles and is considered a landmark publication with regards to collaborative intellectual endeavour within the context enlightenment literature. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Ɵ REES, ABRAHAM REES'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (1819-20) Five-volume set, David and Charles, Newton Abbot 1970 reprint of extracts from the 1819-20 edition (edited by Neil Cossons), each with dj, with a copy of Woodcroft, Bennet ALPHABETICAL INDEX of PATENTEES OF INVENTIONS 1617-1852 Evelyn, Adams and Mackay Limited, London 1969, dj, (6). Provenance: The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Ɵ CROM, THEODORE R. FIVE VOLUMES RELATING TO HOROLOGICAL WORKSHOP TOOLS AND PRACTICES Horological Shop Tools 1700-1900 privately published by the author, signed and inscribed with a dedication to John Robey, Hawthorne FL 1980, gilt titled brown cloth; Early Lancashire Horological Tools and Their Makers privately published by the author, signed and inscribed with a dedication to John Robey, Hawthorne FL 1994, gilt titled brown cloth; An Eighteenth Century English Brass Hardware Catalogue privately published by the author, Hawthorne FL 1994, gilt titled brown cloth; Trade Catalogues 1542 to 1842 privately published by the author, Hawthorne FL 1989, gilt titled brown cloth, and a copy of HOROLOGICAL WHEEL CUTTING ENGINES 1700 to 1900 privately published by the author, Gainesville FL 1970, pictorial brown cloth, (5). Provenance: The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWISS BRASS AND STEEL WHEEL CUTTING ENGINERETAILED BY L.H. KELLER AND COMPANY, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1900The cutter arbor frame set via a locking pivot to allow angled cutting of verge crown wheels onto to an up-down lever-operated slider with adjustable stop, mounted via screw-adjusting slide for depth adjustment and incorporating an optional additional lever override onto the box frame enclosing the 7.25 inch reversable index plate, one side with twenty dividing rings ranging from 51 to 366 and the other side with nineteen annotated 52 to 365, located by a modified arrangement of adjustable pivoted detent fixed to the centre of the index arbor with movement restricted between two adjustable stops set on a quadrant track issuing from the rear of the frame, the centre arbor passing through the frame to support the work for the cutter with steady bracket above, on three down curved iron feet pierced for fixing to the workbench and with post to support the index arm quadrant track, the frame stamped with oval LHK & c trademark.Length of frame 25.5cm (10ins); 38cm (15ins) long overall, 28cm (11ins) wide, 33cm (13ins) high. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. The business of L.H. Keller and Company Incorporated is recorded in Crom, Theodore, R. Horological Shop Tools 1700-1900 as a supplier of watch materials, tools etc. trading from 110 Fulton Street, New York, from 1853 until after 1915. A related wheel cutting engine is illustrated by Crom on page 653 (figure 1276), and another on page 663 (figure 1290). The present lot has been modified by John Robey to enable efficient advancing of the index plate between adjustable stops on a quadrant-shaped track. This allows the engine to be quickly used to cut counts less than that of a selected track by a divisible amount. Condition Report: The wheel-cutting engine was set-up and in use in John Robey’sworkshop until relatively recently hence is in working condition with no evidenceof wear or problematic play in any of the pivots etc. As catalogued the indexdetent arrangement is a modification/improvement. The index plate free form anynoticeable wear to the holes or evidence of repeating dragging of the detent.There is some light surface corrosion to some of the steelwork which wouldbenefit from being addressed otherwise tool is in very good condition. Theadditional cutter carriers are in good useable condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SMALL TUSCANIRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKFRANCO NUZZI, RINCINE,CIRCA 1780Theposted countwheel bell striking movement with three-spoke crossings, the goingtrain with verge escapementincorporating crown wheel and pallets set above the top plate regulated byshort bob pendulum swinging behind the frame to the rear, the strike train withsingle-arbor warned lifting via a nag’s head engaging with pins to the goinggreat wheel, with overlift enabled by a heart-shaped cam and warning via anextension to the locking detent engaging with a tab next to the fly pinion,sounding the double six hour system via a hammer pivoted between the left-handside frame posts on a bell mounted above the frame at the hour and repeated afew minutes later, the base of the rear movement bar fitted with vergecrownwheel alarm mechanism sounding via a cranked T-shaped hammer on the insideof a bell set above the top plate, the 5 inch wide single sheet brass Romannumeral break-arch dial with hour hand and a cranked alarm setting pointer tocentre, stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and foliate scroll engravedinfill to angles, continuing up into the arch to envelope the herringboneborder-engraved signature boss engraved Franco, Nuzzi di, Rincine, the ironframe with square section posts secured by threaded nuts except for the topfront where they are substituted for vase-turned finials, (no lines or weights).25.5cm(10ins) high, 13cm (5ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.125ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages162-65.JohnRobey Notes that the Nuzzi family worked in Rincine which is a small villageapproximately 25 miles northeast of Florence. Their clocks were all constructedin a similar manner but varied in specification from simple timepieces to thosesounding the house and quarters on two bells. More often than not such clockswere designed to be housed in tall skinny painted wood ‘longcases’ known as guardacorda (rope Guard), but very few of these cases survive.Thedial is has a hole with a square. This is not for winding with a key but forsetting of the hand. This is facilitated by having the going train greatwheelset on its arbor via a friction bar, thus allowing the arbor and pinion ofreport driving the motionwork to be turned independently by a key through thedial.The provision of the Italian six-hour striking system hasits roots in the Papal states and the Lazio region where, from the early 14thcentury, the day was often divided into twenty-four equal hours starting justafter sunset. Prior to the emergence of this system time was observed in‘temporal hours’ which varied in length for both day and night depending on theseasons. The traditional Italian provision of six-hour dials and striking wasinfluenced by the canonical division of the day and had the benefit of allowingtime to be read a little more accurately (due to the relatively large divisionsbetween the hours). The striking system of the present lot has what’s knownas ‘ribotta’ which most likely served as a reminder of the hour in case it wasmissed first time around. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN INTERSTING ITALIAN ‘FRIULI’ IRON WEIGHT-DRIVENRACK-STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCKPESARINA VALLEY, ITALY, CIRCA 1770Theposted iron two-handed movement with square section posts secured at the topand bottom by threaded nuts, enclosing separately wound three-wheel trains withbrass three-spoke wheelwork to the second wheel and above, the greatwheels withfour crossings and fitted with iron pulleys incorporating corrugated valleysand integral ratchet click teeth, the going train with verge escapement incorporatingcrown wheel set above the top plate regulated by short disc-bob pendulumswinging in front of the dial, the strike train with a double lifting piecefitted to the minute wheel to lift and release the warning detent on the hourand then again a few minutes later, and with counting via a gravity rackpositioned inside the rear movement bar set by a tail engaging with a snailfitted to the iron hour wheel, the rack hook applied to the rear movement barand pivoting around a screw against a blade spring and incorporating a tail toengage with a pull trip-repeat lever fitted to the rear of the case, gatheringis by a pallet/flag applied to the arbor of the second wheel and the count isarrested at the end of the cycle via a tab to the rack engaging with a pin tothe wheel itself, the 7.5 inch square polychrome painted iron dial with starburstdesign onto an iron-red ground to centre within cream Roman numeral chapterring incorporating Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll-pierced ironhands beneath potance for the front-swinging pendulum emerging at twelveo’clock, the angles decorated with stylised foliate motifs beneath a piercedscroll-pierced fret painted with conforming decoration, the case with ‘Fruilian’stepped-dome cast hour bell over iron top panel enclosing the escapement, securedvia nuts to extensions to the movement over pin-hinged side doors, the rearwith hanging hoop over sprung trip-repeat lever and spurs.30.5cm(12ins) high, 23cm (9ins) wide, 16cm (6.25ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages152-55.JohnRobey notes that the present lot is typical of those made in the PesarinaValley within the Friuli region of Italy. The frame is distinctly Germanic inits construction but with the movement bars secured as per English lanternclocks with twin integral pegs at the bottom and by wedges at the top. The bellis notable in having a concentric step cast into the dome, this is typical forclocks made in the Friuli region, as are the distinctive pierced iron hands.The striking system of the present lot has what’s knownas ‘ribotta’ which most likely served as a reminder of the hour in case it wasmissed first time around. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE ITALIAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVENGRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1760Theposted bell striking two-handed movement with three-spoke crossings to thebrass wheelwork and separately wound trains incorporating iron-walled cheeks tothe pulleys, the going train with pin-wheel deadbeat escapement for regulation by a pendulum swinging behind theframe to the rear, the strike train facilitating both the sounding of thequarters and the hours on the six-hour system on a graduated pair of bellspositioned above the top plate through the provision of ‘whizzing-work’, configuredwith single-arbor warned release every quarter hour via pins to the minutewheel lifting a single detent serving to both clear a locking slot cut into adisc applied to the second wheel arbor, and hold the train in warning against apin to the rim of the third wheel, on release the second wheel runs through asingle rotation allowing three pins of graduated length to the rim of the disc tooperate a hammer to sound the quarters on the smaller bell, followed by six pinsalso of graduated length fitted to the rim of the wheel itself operating ahammer to sound the hours on the larger bell, the counts for each governed bytwo stepped ‘face-cams’, the first applied to the hour wheel for the quarterstrike and the second to a star wheel for the hour, with each pumping their respectivehammer arbor in or out of engagement with the appropriate number graduated pinsto sound the correct counts for each, the 5.5 inch wide single sheetbrass Roman numeral dial with steel fleur-de-lys hands to centre andstylised floral half hour markers, the iron frame with square section postssecured by brass vase-turned finials at the top and bun feet at the base, (nopendulum or weights).32cm(12.5ins) high, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 17cm (6.75ins) deep including crutch.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages176-79.The‘whizzing-work’ system employed in the present clock operates on the principlethat the counting for each strike is governed by the relative position of thehammer tail in respect to a series of pins of diminishing length applied to thepin wheel. The positioning of the hammer tail is in turn dictated by a stepped ‘face-cam’incorporated within the motionwork which in effect automatically pumps thehammer arbor back and forth as the clock runs. This allows the correct numberof pins for the counting of each strike to be brought in or out of engagementwith the hammer prior to sounding. This system differs from traditionalcountwheel or rack striking systems in that the hammer pin wheel rotates by thesame amount every time it is released, rather than having the degree ofrotation governed by the ‘counting’ of the countwheel or rack. Theterm ‘whizzing-work’ is a literal description born out of the fact that thestrike train is often perceived as ‘running through’ or ‘whizzing’ duringperiods when the count of the hammer blows are more infrequent. This systemprobably originated during the late 16th century and seems to havebeen mostly used by Italian makers although is sometimes seen in other centralEuropean clocks. Interestingly some of the principles behind ‘whizzing-work’were incorporated within the the earliest form of English pull-quarter repeatwork developed by Joseph Knibb in the 1670’s (see Dzik, Sunny BENEATH THEDIAL, English Clock Pull Repeat Striking 1675-1725 page 57.The provision of the Italian six-hour striking system hasits roots in the Papal states and the Lazio region where, from the early 14thcentury, the day was often divided into twenty-four equal hours starting justafter sunset. Prior to the emergence of this system time was observed in‘temporal hours’ which varied in length for both day and night depending on theseasons. The traditional Italian provision of six-hour dials and striking wasinfluenced by the canonical division of the day and had the benefit of allowingtime to be read a little more accurately (due to the relatively large divisionsbetween the hours). Another benefit of the six-hour system is that it allowsstrike trains to operate form a smaller power reserve due to not having tosound the longer counts. By default, this favours the provision of‘whizzing-work’ which can also be configured to perform ‘grande-sonnerie’striking without having to resort to large power reserves. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE NORTHERN ITALIAN BRASS MINIATURE WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY TUSCANY OR URBINO, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17th CENTURYThe posted countwheel bell striking movement with three-spoke crossings and pronounced baluster-turned collets to the wheelwork, the going train now with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel and pallets set above the top plate regulated by short disc bob pendulum swinging behind the frame to the rear, the strike train with modified single-arbor warned lifting via a nag's head engaging with pins to the going great wheel, with overlift enabled by a snail-shaped cam and warning via an extension to the locking detent engaging with a flag to the rim of the third wheel, sounding the standard twelve hour system via a vertically pivoted hammer on a bell mounted above the frame at the hour and repeated a few minutes later, the 2 inch wide rectangular gilt copper dial panel with plain centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating a raised border to circumference, with later steel cruciform hand, the upper and lower margins engraved with opposing symmetrical leafy motifs into a hatched ground, the frame with shouldered urn finials over canted Gothic corner posts decorated with ogee-shaped corbels to both the caps and bases, the sides with doors engraved with symmetrical foliate designs into the horizontally hatched ground to match the dial, the rear with plain brass panel, surmounted by a bell capped with a conforming finial and on bell-shaped feet, (previously with an alarm mechanism - now removed).18cm (7ins) high, 7.5cm (3ins) wide, 8cm (3.125ins) deep including pendulum. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. The present lot belongs to a group of around half a dozen other known examples which are discussed by Silvio Bedini in Vetrano, Flavio THE SCIENCE OF THE DUKEDOM OF URBINO (published by Accademia Raffaello, Urbino 2001) pages 57-69. The first example noted is one housed in the collection of the Manor House Museum, Bury St, Edmunds. Interestingly the Manor House clock is engraved with the signature BAROCCI, URBINO to the dial. In an earlier publication by Roberto Panicali (OROLOGIE E OROLOGIAI DEL RINASCIMENTO ITALIANO LA SCUOLA URBINATE) it is suggested that this name was included in homage to the eminent Barocci family of clockmakers of Urbino, who are noted as working up until around 1600. However, as the records for various members of the family appear incomplete, it may well be possible that these clocks could have been made by a hitherto unrecorded descendant.In addition to the example signed for Barocci Panicali illustrates two further unrecorded examples which are in all intents and purposes near identical to each other (except for minor details and later alterations). Another further example is also illustrated in Brusa, Guiseppe La misura del tempo... on page 447 (figure 141); Panicali also notes one more that has a replaced dial obscuring the frame.The present lot definitely belongs to this group although it does differ in having brass corner posts (rather than iron) hence may be slightly later. Condition Report: The movement is intactand most likely serviceable but will require the attention of a skilled clockmakerto put it back into working condition. As catalogued the going train has beenconverted from verge regulated by balance oscillating above the top plate toverge regulated by short pendulum swinging to the rear. Hence there is now acontrate wheel fitted to the original escape wheel arbor and an additional vergeescapewheel (together with related potances etc.) fitted to the top plate. The remainingwheelwork of the going train appears original and retains its original decorativecollets. The strike train appears to have been mostly rebuilt/re-trained with someof the original elements such as the great wheel arbor, pulley and warningwheel retained. The single lifting/locking detent is a later arrangementpivoted between the corner posts. The original was positioned between integral extensionsto the left-hand edges of the front and centre movement bars; the frontmovement bar is a replacement which does not include this extension. The flyhas four vanes to which additional weights have been added. The alarm mechanismis missing contributing to some of the spare holes to the plates. The dial is lackingits alarm disc otherwise is in sound condition but with heavy wear/rubbing tothe gilding; the hand is a crude replacement. The case is generally in soundoriginal condition retaining side doors matching the dial both in decorationand condition. The right-hand corner posts have been drilled for the laterstrike detent pivots othwise frame is also in sound original condition withtraces of gilding. The rear left-hand foot and backplate are replacements. Thebell is possibly a replacement mounted on the original stand and with originaltop finial.There are no lines orweights present with this clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMAN GOTHIC FORGED IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1600The wrought-iron posted frame with angled strip corner uprights united by square rings to the top and bottom secured by rivets, the base with a vertically aligned stretcher resting in notches in the lower ring and forged with a slot to carry the centre movement bar, the front and rear bars forged to hook around the lower ring and secured by pinned tenons formed at the ends of the longitudinal top bar, the frame enclosing separately wound trains with two-piece forged wheelwork incorporating sprung ring pulley clicks to the great wheels, the three-wheel going train with verge escapement regulated by balance wheel suspended from forged gallows by a thread, the two-wheel hour strike train with single arbor warnless nag's head lifting via a pin to the going train great wheel, overlift via a cam cut with a single slot, external fly and countwheel driven by a spur pinion of report engaging with teeth cut to the inside of the wheel rim, sounding via a horizontally pivoted hammer on a bell mounted within the ogee-shaped superstructure fitted between the ball capped integral finials above, now with a 6.375 inch wide sheet iron dial plate polychrome painted with a starburst to centre within cream-ground Roman numeral chapter ring, with iron fleur-de-lys hand and lower spandrel infill decorated with masks emblematic of blowing winds, the upper section with solar and lunar discs within a starry sky beneath a shallow scroll-shaped crest, on integral outstepped supports drilled with holes to the feet, (replacement escapement, bell superstructure and dial, no lines or weights). Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 49-51. Two articles in Horological Journal by John Robey Rescuing a Gothic Clock, Part 1 May 2017 pages 11-15, and Part 2 June 2017 pages 253-56. John Robey notes that the present clock is an example of a later German Gothic clock with the uprights still set at an angle, but formed as strips riveted to the upper and lower subframes (rather than having separate corner pieces with decorative noses and dovetail corner joints). The movement pivot bars, however, still follow the earlier practice of having 'hook' type dovetail joints at the base of each. The three-wheel going train versus the two-wheel strike train also echoes early Gothic work and can be compared to a particularly early Hausuhr described and illustrated by Robey on pages 42-47. The present lot has seen very skilled reinstatement of the escapement, bell superstructure and dial hence the movement is now presented in its original form. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SOUTH GERMAN RENAISSANCE IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN QUARTER-STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCK UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1650The posted iron movement with square section uprights secured by threaded nuts enclosing separately wound three-wheel trains with one-piece three-spoke forged wheelwork, laid-out with the going train at the front followed by the quarter and hour strike trains, with verge escapement regulated by a balance wheel set between the frame top plate and a second plate mounted on spaced extensions, the quarter strike released via a star wheel and an inverted nag's head detent set within the under dial work, with cam cut with two slots for overlift and countwheel applied to the greatwheel for sounding on the smaller of two bells via a vertically pivoted hammer positioned to the left-hand side of the movement, the hour strike released via a pin on the quarter countwheel with overlift also enabled via a cam cut with two slots, with countwheel mounted to the rear and sounding on the larger bell via another vertically pivoted hammer this time positioned to the right-hand side of the movement, both the quarter and hour strike trains with pierced steel detent springs opposing scroll decorated brass stops and sculpted iron hammer stop posts, the 5 inch wide polychrome painted iron dial plate with vestigial Arabic numeral painted alarm disc to centre within conforming white painted Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating floating asterisk half-hour markers, with iron trident-shaped hand over subsidiary Roman numeral quarter-hour dial with conforming hand flanked by painted floral sprays to lower margin, the upper section of stepped arch form painted with an armorial crest over a slot revealing the rim of the balance, flanked by leafy scrolls, the box-form case with iron side doors painted with standing bare-footed figures of saints within architectural arched recesses, the back panel with forged hanging hoop and spurs and the top surmounted by a graduated pair of bells set on an and arched stand issuing a post, (lacking lines, weights and alarm mechanism).32.5cm (12.75ins) high, 13cm (5ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Purchased at Bonhams, London, sale of FINE CLOCKS 16th December 2015 (lot 134) for £3,500. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 75-77. John Robey notes that the painted scenes to the side doors of the present clock probably represent St John the Baptist and St Paul, which suggests that the clock probably originates from Catholic Bavaria rather than mainly Protestant Switzerland. The movement is a fine example of this particular type of posted frame-construction, with trains very tightly packaged into the space available. When purchased in 2015 the clock had been converted to anchor escapement with pendulum swinging to the rear hence the present verge with balance regulation has been reinstated by Dr. Robey as well the fitment of an alarm disc to the refinished dial. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMANIC WEIGHT-DRIVEN IRON WALL TIMEPIECEWITH SILENT-PULL QUARTER REPEAT AND ALARMUNSIGNED, GERMANY OR BOHEMIA, CIRCA 1760Theplated four rectangular pillar two-handed movement with three-spoke brass wheeltrains set side by side, the three-wheel going train with iron-walled cheeks andratchet winding clicks to the solid greatwheel and verge escapement regulatedby short disc bob pendulum swinging in front of the dial, the quarter repeattrain inversely planted with the brass line barrel and hammer pin-wheel positionedat the top, pulling via a gear-toothed sector against an hour snail to countthe hours on one bell on release, followed by the quarters on a second bell beforebeing arrested by a stepped quarter-cam, the alarm positioned within the platesto the rear left and incorporating a pin crown wheel sounding via a verticallypivoted hammer on the inside of the smaller bell, the 9 inch wide rectangularpolychrome painted iron dial with Arabic numeral alarm setting disc to the floralbloom decorated centre, within white Roman numeral chapter ring with asteriskhalf hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track within concentric redborders, with potance for the front-swinging pendulum emerging at twelveo’clock over scroll pierced brass hands, the upper margin painted withvignettes of the Madonna and child opposing St John of Nepomuk, and the lowerspandrel areas decorated with rose blooms, the movement enclosed with ironpanels linked together with tabs and incorporating pin-hinged side doors, therear with hanging hoop and spurs.28cm(11ins) high, 22.5cm (9ins) wide, 11.5cm (4.5ins) deep.Provenance:TheDr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages110-13.Theoperation of the pull-quarter repeat system employed in the present timepieceis described in detail by John Robey and is notable for its relatively efficientdesign. In simple terms on pulling the drum and hammer-pin disc rotate backwardscausing the geared sector to traverse until stopped by the hour snail. Theposition of the snail dictates how many pins are available to the hour hammeron release. After the hours have sounded a second set of pins to the other sideof disc operate a quarter hammer, until the train is locked by the steppedstop-cam. The position of the arm that locks into the stop-cam is dictated by aquarter snail within the motionwork, thus controls the amount of the blows onthe quarter bell.Thedial is painted with a vignette of St John of Nepomuk who was a Bohemian priestMartyred under the reign of King Wenceslaus in 1393. He was canonised in 1729and is considered the patron saint of Bohemia. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWISS OR GERMAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1690The ironstrip frame movement with the front and rear pivot bars secured via pinnedtenons to the top and bottom strips and continuing upwards to be joined by afurther narrow strip extended at the front and incorporating the escapementpallet arbor potances, the separately wound three-wheel trains with iron three-spokewheelwork, the going train with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel setabove the top bar regulated by short disc-bob pendulum swinging in front of thedial, the strike train with single arbor warnless nag’s head lifting via a starwheel in front of the hour wheel with the detent arbor pivoted betweenupward-curved extensions to the front and rear movement bars, with overlift bya cam cut with two slots positioned on the second wheel arbor, and sounding thehours via hammer pivoted vertically within the iron case between on a smallbell set above the movement, the 8.75 inch circular polychrome painted ironcrested dial decorated with a stormy lakeside scene with a tree to centre, withina white Roman numeral chapter ring bordered by concentric bands in ochre, withscroll-pierced brass hand beneath potance for the front-swinging pendulumemerging at twelve o’clock, the shaped crest painted with a quatrefoil vignetteof the Madonna and Child into a red ground framed with gilt foliate decoration,the case with small cast hour bell over iron top panel secured via pinnedtenons, the rear with hanging hoop over spurs and the underside with anadditional plate retained by screws, (side doors lacking).31cm(12.25ins) high, 22cm (8.75ins) wide, 16cm (6.25ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages60-62.Thepresent clock is an archetypical example of a strip-frame clock with themovement formed from relatively narrow bars elegantly held together with pinnedtenons. This type of frame was most frequently used in Southern Germany andnorthern Switzerland from around 1580 until the mid 18th century. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBERCLOCK WITH BRASS DIALUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1770Theposted iron two-handed countwheel bell striking movement with square section cornerposts secured at the top and bottom by threaded nuts, enclosing separatelywound three-wheel trains with brass three-spoke wheelwork, the going train withverge escapement incorporating crown wheel set above the top plate regulated byshort disc-bob pendulum swinging in front of the dial, the strike train withsingle arbor warnless nag’s head lifting via an arm behind the minute wheel, withoverlift by a cam cut with two slots positioned on the second wheel arbor, and soundingthe hours via hammer pivoted between the left-hand movement posts on a smallbell set above the movement, the 9.25 inch wide brass shaped-arch top dial withfoliate scroll engraved centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapterring with looped half hour markers and an arcaded minute ring with Arabicfive-minutes beyond, with scroll-pierced iron hands beneath potance for thefront-swinging pendulum emerging above twelve o’clock, the angles applied withwinged cherub mask cast spandrels, beneath arch engraved with symmetrical foliatescrollwork inhabited with floral blooms around a central applied silvered boss engravedwith figural representation of the Holy Trinity, the case with small cast hourbell over iron top panel enclosing the escapement, secured via nuts toextensions to the movement posts over pin-hinged side doors, the rear withhanging hoop over spurs and the underside with an additional plate retained bythe movement post securing nuts.23.5cm(9.25ins) wide, 35cm (13.25ins) high, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages100-03. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SMALL SOUTH GERMAN BRASS AND IRON SPRING-DRIVEN ALARM TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, LATE 18th CENTURYThesmall plated two-handed movement with four ringed pillars pinned at the front, enclosinga four-wheel going train incorporating standing barrel secured to thefrontplate, and with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel pivoted withina tall extension above the plates regulated by a short disc bob pendulumswinging in front of the dial, the alarm positioned within the plates to thetop left, also with a standing barrel and incorporating crown wheel for soundingvia a vertically pivoted hammer on the inside of a small bell mounted on a tallstand, the 5.25 inch iron break-arch dial with copper Arabic numeral alarmsetting disc applied to the foliate scroll relief decorated silvered repoussecentre, within brass Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised cruciformhalf-hour markers and arcaded minute ring incorporating Arabic five minutesbeyond, with lozenge pierced brass hands, the surround overlaid with a silveredbrass mask finely worked with repousse rococo scrollwork continuing up into thearch to envelope the potance for the front-swinging pendulum, the rear with solderedtin box dust cover enclosing the movement incorporating lozenge-shaped sidewindows and a strut to allow the clock to stand.18cm(7ins) high, 13.5cm (5.25ins) wide, 6.5cm (2.5ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages127-29.JohnRobey notes that this alarm timepiece would have been made for use in a bedchamber. The going train employs a standing barrel fitted with Geneva stopworkwhich ensures that only a relatively small amount of the spring’s power is usedwith this set up to be within mid-way between being unwound and fully-wound.This ensures that the power delivery is as even as possible between windings. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A POLISH GILT AND SILVERED BRASS HORIZONTAL HEXAGONAL TABLE CLOCKFRANCISCUS KRANTZ, WARSAW, MID 18th CENTURYThe gilt hexagonal single chain fusee movement with six baluster pillars pinned through the backplate, verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm balance incorporating Tompion type regulation, and herringbone engraved standing barrels for both the alarm and rack hour striking trains sounding via hammers with heads formed as fish on the same bell mounted beneath the movement, the backplate with fine foliate scroll pierced and chased balance bridge beside silvered Avance/Retard regulation disc opposing engraved signature Franciscus Krantz, Warsovia, the dial with Arabic alarm setting disc to centre and pierced steel hands within a Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised floral spray half hour markers, arcaded minute ring and Arabic lozenge five minute numerals to outer track, the angles of the hexagonal dial plate engraved with floral scroll infill, the case with acanthus engraved cushion top mouldings supported by further cavetto mouldings, over silvered framed rectangular side glasses and stepped ogee lower mouldings, the base fitted with hinged bottom panel incorporating the bell secured by strap and raised on three fine sculpted silvered Baroque S-scroll supports with pendant finials between.9cm (3.5ins) high, 11.5cm (4.5ins) wide. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Frantz Krantz is noted online via the NAWCC forums (by registered user Kobas) as a clockmaker from Vienna who had settled in Warsaw by 1754, when it is recorded that he was elevated to the position of Master in Freemasonry. He maintained the clock at the Old Town Hall in Warsaw, and made clocks for Primate Michael Jerzy Poniatowski - the youngest brother of the King of the Polish Republic, Stanislaw August Poniatowski. He died in 1786 and was succeeded by his sons including Jan Krantz who died in 1817. A related square horizontal table clock signed for 'Franciscus Krantz, Varsoviae' is in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw museum (ref. ZKW-dep.FTS/785). The form of the present clock follows a design which appears to have been standardised in the Augsburg or possibly Bamberg area during the early 18th century, however examples are often seen signed for makers in other European cities such as Danzig, Prague and even London (see Maurice, Klaus Die deutsche Raderuhr Volume two, illustrations 623-34). It is highly likely that such timepieces were made in Germany and were supplied for finishing and retail by other makers throughout central Europe. Indeed, a related example signed for 'Marquick, London' was sold in these rooms 15th September 2015 (lot 103) for £4,000 hammer. Condition Report: Movement is completeand appears to have survived in its original form although with probable replacements,although not fully functional does appear to be in serviceable condition. The goingtrain appears essentially all-original, the spring will wind but feels weakhence currently does not have enough power to drive the escapement – which willhappily operate when slight additional motive force is manually applied. The striketrain has solid wheels and slightly longer pinions than the going train hence hasprobably been re-trained but to following the original layout and using theoriginal holes. The strike train will wind and just about operate but needsadjustment. The alarm train also has solid wheels etc so has also probably beenrestored. The spring is currently ‘slipping’ when wound and one of the arborsis misaligned (most likely and error during assembly). The backplate retains giltfinish with some light scratching, wear and other blemishes, the balance bridgeand hammers original and are in good condition, and are nicely finished. The dialis in good condition with slight mellowing/oxidation only. The case is also ingood condition with no breaks or cracks to the castings including the feet. Allelements are present and appear undamaged and much of the original gilding ispresent with wear most evident to the top moulding.There is no windingkey with this lot. Condition Report Disclaimer
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3,000 - 5,000 GBP
A FINE AND VERY RARE FRENCH FLEMISH LATE RENAISSANCE MINIATURE BRASS WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKINDISTINCTLY SIGNED 'NINE...', LISLE DATED 1686The posted countwheel bell striking movement with separately wound three-wheel trains incorporating three-spoke wheel crossings, decorative baluster-turned arbors and ratchet click wheels forming the inner cheek of each pulley, the going train with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel and pallets set above the top plate regulated by short bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension swinging behind the frame to the rear, the strike train lifted by a starwheel behind the dial engaging with a detent fitted to the decorative bobbin-turned warning arbor, pivoted between blocks to the centres of the left-hand movement posts and engaging with a locking lever planted across the rear above the countwheel, with overlift enabled via a disc cut with a slot applied to the second wheel arbor and sounding via a vertically pivoted hammer with fine baluster-turned arbor on a bell mounted within the superstructure, the 2.75 inch wide polychrome painted sheet brass dial with sunburst decorated centre within narrow cream Roman numeral chapter ring with dot half hour markers, with a sculpted steel arrow-shaped hand and dark ground borders decorated with a D-shaped panel flanked by stars to upper the margin, opposing banner inscribed NINE... A LISLE over date 1686 to the lower, the frame with fine cast cavetto cornice moulded top frame opposing ogee mouldings to the base, divided by column-turned corner posts with square baluster moulded blocks to the centre of each shaft, the front and rear movement pivot bars secured via steel tabs and screws at the base, and the middle and rear bars with shaped extension to allow for an offset fly for the strike train, the top with bell contained within a sculpted brass bearer located via feet drilled with holes passing over extensions to the movement pillars secured by pins, on four bun-turned brass feet.20cm (8ins) high, 9cm (3.5ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Provenance:The Dr. John Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 237-39. The present lot is a particularly rare example and is notable in the generosity of the castings and quality of the turning to the steelwork. The strong architectural form of the frame is reminiscent of 16th century Renaissance work, most notably spring-driven table clocks with two-tier fusee movements made in Paris and Blois made during the second half of the 16th century (see Tardy LA PENDULE FRANCAIS, I're Partie, De l'Horloge Gothique a la Pendule Louis XV pages 18-23). The strike train departs from the normal north-western European practice of having a hoop wheel for overlift in favour of a disc-shaped cam cut with a slot. This is more akin to central European work and may be a solution to the relative lack of space. Indeed, the compact nature of the packaging of the trains does not allow for a hoop wheel, which may also be the reason why the locking detent is located transversely across the rear of the frame.Unfortunately, John Robey has not been able to identify the maker, however knowing the location and date of its construction can only serve to add to its historical significance. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE FRENCH LOUIS XIV FORGED IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCK WITH PASSING HALF-HOUR STRIKEUNSIGNED, PROBABLY NORTHERN FRANCE, CIRCA 1670The wrought-iron frame with slender square section uprights riveted to square top and bottom plates, the central bar secured at the top by an unusual arrangement of two latches and the front and rear bars held by wedges, enclosing separately wound trains incorporating two-piece forged iron wheelwork, the three-wheel going train with large diameter contrate second wheel driving conforming large diameter verge escape wheel positioned above the top plate with regulation via a side swinging pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the two-wheel strike train incorporating two-staged warned release with the warning detent held via a stub-arm with roller to the fly arbor, overlift via a hoop cut with a single slot to the rim of the second wheel, external two-vane fly incorporating ratchet damped braking and countwheel driven a gathering flag to the second wheel arbor engaging with saw-cut teeth cut to the inside of the wheel rim, sounding via a horizontally pivoted linkage and gravity hammer on a bell set within the superstructure above, the half-hour strike provided by a second smaller hammer set behind the dial and released directly by the star wheel, the 6.25 inch wide rectangular iron dial panel applied with brass Roman numeral chapter ring engraved with stylised wheatear half hour markets and dot half hour markers to inner track, with iron fleur-de-lys hand, the top plate applied with two-tier wrought-iron domed bell carrier decorated with applied cruciform foliate motifs and surmounted by a square section spire finial incorporating the pivot for the gravity hammer, (superstructure with restoration).46cm (18ins) high, 24cm (9.5ins) wide overall, 19cm (7.5ins) deep. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 196-199. John Robey notes that the rivetted frame suggests that the present clock originates from Northern France, perhaps the coastal region. The trains incorporate fewer wheels than normal (one less to each) and are consequently of relatively large diameter, hence the movement has a generous and robust feel. The escape wheel is also large with undercut teeth hence presents as the 'crowning' feature of the movement. The escapement benefits from retaining its original pallets, and the movement in general is survives in remarkably original condition. The strike train incorporates a twin-arbor system of warned striking which utilises a short arm with a roller applied to the fly arbor to enable precise release of the train. In addition to this refinement the countwheel is also unusual in that it is driven by a single flag fitted to the arbor of the second wheel, which 'gathers' the wheel via saw-teeth cut into the inside of the rim. The clock also benefits from retaining one of its original weights which is constructed from a cast iron ball set within a cradle. The ball weighs 2.83lb (2.62 livre) and was probably originally cast as a cannon ball for use in smaller calibre naval ordnance.The decoration to the bell superstructure/hammer assembly is almost certainly later embellishment, as the original would have most likely been much less elaborate. It is possible, however, that the 'lower tier' holding the bell is original to the clock. Other than the addition of these embellishments the present clock would appear to be extremely original. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE FRENCH LOUIS XV IRON-FRAMED RACK-STRIKING LANTERN CLOCK WITH TRIP-HOUR REPEATUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1730The iron-framed posted bell-striking movement with separately wound brass wheel trains, set between forged-iron strip pivot bars and incorporating iron walled cheeks to both pulleys, the going train with verge escapement set above the top plate regulated by fixed-rod disc bob pendulum incorporating knife-edge suspension swinging outside the frame to the rear, the strike train with star wheel to lift and release the warning detent, and with counting via a gravity rack positioned inside the rear movement bar set by a tail engaging with the snail applied to the iron hour wheel, the rack hook is pivoted via a sleeve around the release detent arbor and incorporates a looped tail for a pull trip-repeat cord, gathering is by a pallet/flag applied to the arbor of the second wheel and the count is arrested at the end of the cycle via a brass tab to the rack engaging with a pin to the wheel itself, the hammer is positioned to the left hand-side and incorporates an unusual sprung bifurcation to the stem to serve as the stop by engaging with the edge of the aperture in the top plate, the one-piece engraved brass dial with alternating wavy and straight line engraved starburst centre within integral Roman numeral chapter ring with arrow half-hour markers, with scroll pierced hand retained by a square locking washer, the frame with forged iron column corner posts and plates beneath foliate scroll pierced frets, turned vase finials and iron-framed domed bell bearer surmounted by a brass finial, the rear with hanging hoop and cranked spurs, on turned brass feet, (lacking side doors, backplate and weights).35.5cm (14ins) high, 17cm (6.75ins) wide, 17cm (6.75ins) deep including spurs. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 223-27. John Robey notes that the suspension of the pendulum within the current lot is unusual in that both the front pivot and rear knife-edge suspension are incorporated into extensions of the front and rear movement bars. This has necessitated the knife-edge to be positioned inside from the pendulum (rather than to an extension of the pallet arbor as typically seen on English work). This would appear to be a very efficient and well thought-out arrangement, and allows the pendulum assembly to be removed by withdrawing a single pin (which serves to limit the upward movement of the knife-edge). The rack striking mechanism is also well considered and has similarities with English practice with regards to the arrangement of the rack and its gathering. The sleeved pivot for the rack hook, which allows it to also serve as a trip-repeat, is a nice refinement. The wheelwork is particularly untouched with the original escapement including the pallets intact. Interestingly the strike train second wheel is iron (rather than brass) hence appears to have been re-used by the maker from an earlier clock. The frame is well-proportioned having a pleasing mixture of iron and brass reminiscent of late 19th century Flemish work (see Sotheby's New York MASTERPIECES FROM THE TIME MUSEUM, PART TWO New York, 19th June 2002 lot 90). The frets appear to be of standard English pattern but are most likely unique castings for the present clock. John Robey notes that the positions of the mounting tabs for each fret vary, which suggests that they were separately formed in the casting sand by manually pushing in a suitably shaped piece of metal before pressing in the plate forming the pattern. The finial turnings are close to English 'Third Period' work but may also be unique to the present clock. Indeed, the overall style and feel of the clock is distinctly reminiscent of English work albeit with individual regional details and refinements. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE FRENCH LOUIS XV SMALL BRASS AND FORGED IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN TIMEPIECE WITH ALARMUNSIGNED, PROBABLY PONT-FARCY, NORMANDY, CIRCA 1750The posted movement with a brass top plate opposing the iron bottom plate enclosing iron pivot bars for the going train and the alarm set within the frame behind, the going train with iron walled cheek to the click side of the pulley and verge escapement set above the top plate regulated by short bob pendulum with silk suspension swinging to the rear, the verge crownwheel alarm mechanism sounding via a cranked T-shaped hammer on the inside of a bell set above the top plate, the dial with silvered Arabic numeral alarm setting dial and steel trident-shaped hand to the plain centre, within 5 inch silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with cruciform half-hour markers surmounted by a foliate strapwork pierced cast brass fret, the frame with slender rectangular section wrought-iron uprights, riveted to the top plate and decorated with distinctive scroll motifs at the junction with the bottom plate passing through to form tall tapered supports (lacking weights).26.5cm (10.25ins) high, 13cm (5ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.25ins) deep. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 216-18. John Robey notes that details within the frame of the present lot, in particular the slender rectangular section posts and tall integral tapered supports, would suggest that it was made in Pont-Farcy in Normandy, France. However the brass top plate is an unusual feature, as is the small size and the fact that it is an alarm timepiece only. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
A JAPANESE IRON AND BRASS KAKE DOKEI DOUBLE-FOLIOT LANTERN CLOCK WITH ALARMUNSIGNED, PROBABLY 20th CENTURY The posted iron-framed two-train weight-driven movement with separately wound iron trains, the going train with a choice of two verge escapements regulated by respective foliot balances suspended via lines from a gallows set above the top plate and each incorporating movable cursor weights, the countwheel strike train of single-arbor warnless type with nag's head lifting, overlift provided by hoop wheel and sounding via a vertical-arbor hammer on the bell mounted above the frame, the countwheel with additional pin to the rim engaging with a starwheel set on an arbor with cams for switching between the two escapements by raising or lowering each of the foliate pallet arbors in or out of engagement via a pair of pivoted levers, the alarm mechanism positioned to the front upper left of the frame and sounding via a verge crownwheel engaging a with vertical pallet hammer arbor on the hour bell above, the dial with single patinated brass hand set on a revolving brass disc incorporating an arc of holes to take a pin for setting the alarm, within oxidised brass cushion-shaped chapter ring annotated with raised numerals for the Japanese hours or toki along with their respective zodiacal symbols, the case with bell secured via a decorative wrought-iron wingnut onto a post incorporating suspension gallows for the foliots, over brass front panel relief decorated with peony blooms within symmetrical scrolling foliage, conforming latched side doors and matching backplate, on canted base further decorated with leafy scrollwork and incorporating shaped aprons to lower edges (lacking lines and weights).37.5cm (14.5ins) high, 14cm (5.5ins) square at the base. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. The Japanese method of dividing the day had its origins in Chinese practice with, until 1868, the daytime and night-time periods split into six 'hours' each. Each division or 'toki' on the dial is represented by a Chinese zodiacal sign (annotated to the outer track) with midday at the top represented by the Horse, and midnight at the bottom represented by the Rat. Each 'Toki' is divided into tenths with the mid-point or 'Shokuru' marked with an extended division line. Naturally the varying lengths of light and darkness through the seasons meant that the length of the daytime versus the night-time hours also changed throughout the year. This required constant adjustments to the clock's rate to ensure that the time given on the dial was correct, hence the provision of movable cursor weights to the balance foliate. Latterly Japanese clockmakers produced clocks incorporating two foliots with switching between the two allowing different rates for either the day or night depending on the time of year.Technologically the present clock conforms with European chamber clocks made prior to the general adoption of warning to the strike train during the last quarter of the 16th century. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWEDISH SMALL IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN TIMEPIECE MOVEMENT AND DIALUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1785Thestrip-type frame narrow plates joined by a slender strip rivetted to thebackplate and secured by a pinned tenon at the front to the base and two squaresection pillars joined in a similar way at the top, enclosing a three brasswheel train with three spoke wheel crossings with small pulley incorporating acrisply moulded click wheel and anchor escapement for regulation by a pendulumswinging to the rear, the 7 inch square brass dial with vestigial brass Arabicnumeral alarm and generous scroll pierced iron hand disc to the iron-redpainted centre, within applied pewter Roman numeral chapter ring withconcentric ring half hour markers and unusual pewter sunburst mask spandrelscast in high relief to angles, the movement secured to a pine seatboard via asingle screw through the bottom strip, (no pendulum, line, weight or alarmmechanism).18cm(7ins) square, 11cm (4.25ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages343-45.JohnRobey notes that the present timepiece was designed to use a separate remotealarm mechanism which would have been fitted to the seatboard adjacent to themovement. However there is not clear evidence that this was ever fitted. Thewinding click is of an unusual form with the ratchet engaging with teeth cut tothe inside rim of a disc which is located on the great wheel arbor by a square.This departs from the usual circular ring spring arrangement. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN INTERESTING OAK AND ELM CASED THIRTY-HOUR LONGCASE CLOCK PROBABLY SOMERSET, CIRCA 1710, REPURPOSING A LANTERN CLOCK MOVEMENT MADECIRCA 1680Theposted countwheel bell striking movement with Huygens’ endless winding nowrunning on chains, the going train now with anchor escapement regulated byseconds pendulum swinging behind the frame, and the strike train with ironcountwheel and overlift via a hoop wheel cut with a single slot, the frame withcolumn-turned corner posts previously fitted with integral cast finials andfeet, fitted with a 9.75 inch square brass dial with low-position calendaraperture to the stylised symmetrical floral scrollwork engraved centre, withinapplied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with cruciform half hour markers,with scroll pierced iron hand and applied twin cherub and crown cast spandrelsto angles, the movement and dial hanging via hoop and spurs from an iron hookapplied to the backboard of the oak and elm case, the hood with cavetto corniceover full-width opening front with glazed dial aperture and iron butterflyhinges visible to the leading edge of the right-hand side, over slender trunkwith concave throat and narrow door with iron strap hinges and D-section edgemouldings, on plinth base with relatively complex cavetto and ogee upper mouldingsabove a plain skirt.207cm (81.5ins) high, 46cm (18ins) wide, 28cm (11ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages292-95.JohnRobey notes that the movement corner posts conform to the West Country practiceof being cast in one piece with the finials and feet. The pivot bars also have unusualapertures to the lower edges similar to those seen on lantern clocks by ThomasVeale of Chew Magna, as well as posted longcase movements by Lawrence Debnam ofFrome. At the timeof conversion to a longcase clock the brass feet, finials, side doors, fret andbell bearer were removed and most likely recycled. The escapement was convertedfrom verge with short bob pendulum to anchor regulated by seconds pendulum,incorporating iron front and rear cocks for the pallet arbor. The pulleys werealso modified to run on chains (incorporating unusual double spikes to thecentres).Thedial was probably engraved locally and has the feel of a clockmaker looking tocapture the essence of higher style engraving seen on dials by the likes of LawrenceDebnam (see dial sold in these rooms, 7th March 2023, lot 72). Thecase was also purpose made for the present movement and dial as is constructedto allow them to hang at the correct level from the backboard (with no evidenceof cheeks and seatboard ever being fitted). JohnRobey suggests that it is probable that the conversion from a lantern tolongcase clock was probably undertaken whilst still in the family of the firstowner. Condition Report: As cataloguedthe movement has been converted from a lantern clock for use as a lantern clock,hence no longer has a domed bell superstructure, finials, feet, frets, sidedoors and backplate. The dial was also replaced at this time and the escapementconverted from verge with short bob pendulum to anchor with long pendulum. Thepulleys were also converted to run on chains (originally rope). Evidence in theform of spare holes etc. of this ‘repurposing’ can be seen throughout themovement. It is likely that the trains have been repinioned and the current escapewheelis a replacement made by John Robey to address irregularities with the one thatcame with the clock – this earlier escapewheel is included with the clock. The wheeldriving the calendar wheel appears relatively modern (earlier one was probablylost or removed). The movement is in working condition however may benefit froma gentle clean/service is intending to put into long-term service. The dial isin good condition with the only notable fault being a casting fault to the insideedge below the II numeral. The case is generally in structurally soundcondition. The top board of the hood is probably an old replacement as is thefront rail behind the hood door. The backboard is particularly thick to allowthe clock to be hung from it and continues into the base stopping aboutsix/seven inches short of the lower edge of the box. A section of elm board hasbeen inserted to occupy this space. The backboard and infill piece has evidenceof historic worm infestation which appears not to be active or compromising tothe structure of the case. The trunk appears to be in good original condition withattractive old surface and colour. The ‘skins’ of the box base as well as theskirt are probably 19th century replacements. Faults to the case areotherwise limited to historic bumps, scuffs, edge wear, shrinkage, movement, minorhistoric worm infestation and other blemishes commensurate with age and use. Clock iscomplete with pendulum and weight. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
A FINE AND RARE COMMONWEALTH PERIOD BRASS LANTERNCLOCK OF IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONSPETER CLOSON, LONDON, CIRCA 1650The posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separately wound trains,the going now with verge escapement with crown wheel set above the top platefor regulation by a pendulum swinging to the rear suspended from a wire hoop,the strike train sounding the hours on a bell mounted above the frame via acountwheel with overlift provided by a hoop cut with double slots, also withpassing half-hour strike via a second sprung hammer fitted on the movementfront bar engaging with the hour star wheel, the dial with centralrose-engraved vestigial alarm disc enveloped by stylised leafy floral spraysissuing from a three-petal flowerhead positioned just above six o'clockinterrupted by engraved signature Peter Closon Neare Holburn, BridgeLondini Fecit to upper margin, with sculpted looped iron hand withinapplied 6.75 inch Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating stylisedwheatear hour markers and with engraved leafy infill to angles, the frame withcolumn-turned corner posts beneath brass arcaded gallery fretwork frieze tofront and sides, symmetrical foliate scroll pierced and engraved frets andgenerous multi-knopped vase finials, surmounted by a domed bell bearer cappedby a conforming finial, the sides with pin-hinged brass doors and the rear withiron backplate, on ball-turned feet, the hour wheel and star wheel bothwith ‘matchstick man’ casting marks and the bell cast with the initials P.C., (no pendulum lines or weights, alarm removed).48cm (19ins) high, 18.5cm (7.25ins) wide, 23cm (9 ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and relateditems.Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKSTO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlargedsecond edition) pages 262-67.Peter Closon is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain1286-1700 as born in Southwark, London in around 1595 and apprenticedon 22nd November 1608 to Henry Stevens (through the Clothworkers' Company). Hisbrothers (William and Simon) were both gun makers as was his father, Godfrey,before him. He gained his freedom in 1616 and married Margaret Buckner in 1629.Closon was one of the subscribers for the formation of the Clockmakers' Companypaying the substantial sum of £5 in 1630. He worked near Holborn Bridge andtook-on many apprentices, first through the Clothworkers' Company and then thenewly founded Clockmakers' Company after 1631.Amongst Peter Closon’s apprentices were the following who went-on to becomenotable makers in their own right - John Selwood (1630-38); John Wise (throughThomas Dawson 1638-46; Richard Ames (through Richard Masterson 1648/9-1656/7),and William Speakman (through Nicholas Tomlins 1654-61). Closon was made anAssistant in the Clockmakers' Company in 1633 and then Warden 1637/8, there areno records of his attendance after this date. He died in around 1660/1 and isthought to have been succeeded by Richard Ames.The present lot belongs to a small group of particularly large lanternclocks incorporating two-tier galleried top plates, with most being three trainquarter-chiming/striking examples. The purpose of the space enclosed by thegallery was to accommodate the balance wheel thus leaving the space beneath thebell for hammer and bell assemblies. Peter Closon is known to have producedseveral examples of this type however others by Thomas Milles and AhasuerusFromanteel are known (see White, George English Lantern Clocks page137, Figures 111/21-22).John Robey notes that the front and movement bars are cast with T-shapedextensions to the ends of the cross pieces to facilitate the provision ofadditional detents and hammer linkages for the quarter-train. Originally thehour hammer would have been pivoted between tabs riveted to the top plate andoperated via a linkage, but has now been converted to a hammer of standarddesign operating against a horizontal stop. Interestingly the duration of theclock has been doubled by increasing the pinions-of-report from four to eightleaves. This has required the hoop wheel to be cut with two (rather than one)slots and doubling-up of the hammer-pins to the strike train greatwheel.The conversion to Verge escapement was performed on the Continent (probablyGermany) most likely around 1800. Interestingly the pallet arbor is forged witha ring at the rear to allow for the alarm hammer of the alarm mechanism to passthrough (now removed). The presence of updates executed in Continental Europe,together with the provision of passing half-hour strike (particularly popularin France) would suggest that the clock was most likely originally supplied toa European (possibly German) client by Closon. This may reflect the likelyhoodthat potential customers in England were probably thin on the ground due to theCivil War.The ‘matchstick man’ casting marks to the hour and star wheels of thepresent lot appear on numerous lantern clocks dating to between 1630 and 1680.This mark is amongst a group of differing casting marks which no doubt servedas a means to identify the foundry who supplied the blank castings to the makerof the clock. Finally, of notable interest, are the frame castings. Thesediffer from those of the other known large ‘galleried’ examples, but do matchthose of an exceptional large quarter chiming clock constructed without agallery by Closon illustrated by George White on pages 145 and 157 (Figures111/46 and 66). Condition Report: Movement is essentiallyoriginal but with some later updates and is working condition (although noweights or lines are present). The going train has been converted from vergeregulated by balance wheel oscillating within the gallery to a verge escapementwith crownwheel set above the top plate and pendulum swinging to the rear (conversionmost likely done in Germany during the early 18th Century). Hencethe contrate wheel and above are later to facilitate the conversion. The striketrain has a replaced fly and countwheel and the duration has been doubled by replacingthe pinion of report with one of eight leaves (same for the going train). Thehour hammer would have been pivoted within tabs fitted to the top plate andconnected by linkages but has now been converted to the standard arrangement ofbeing pivoted between the movement bars and passing through the top plate(s). Bothpulleys are replacements with the baseplate having elongated holes to the strikestrain indicating that a pully of larger diameter was fitted at some point. Thedial is in good condition although the alarm disc is a replacement. The handappears original. The backplate is original but now has vacant holes from wherethe alarm and spurs were previously fitted. The side doors appear original. Theframe is in good condition with only notable defects being repairs to both feeton the right-hand side. The top finial has also been restored. The frets areoriginal, the top plate has spare holes from previous hour hammer configurationand the hanging hoop is no longer present.There are no lines,weights or pendulum present with the lot. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FINE COMMONWEALTH PERIOD BRASS LANTERN CLOCK WITH ALARMWILLIAM SELLWOOD, LONDON, CIRCA 1650The posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separately wound trains incorporating iron walled cheeks to the click side of both pulleys, the going train now with reinstated verge escapement regulated by brass balance wheel oscillating above the top plate, the strike train sounding the hours on a bell mounted above the frame via a countwheel with overlift provided by a hoop cut with single slot, the dial with central rose-engraved alarm disc enveloped by stylised leafy floral sprays issuing from a sunflower positioned just above six o'clock and with a dove with outstretched wings to upper margin, with later iron hand within applied narrow 6.25 inch Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating stylised wheatear hour markers and with engraved leafy infill to angles, the standard London second period 'Lothbury' frame with column-turned corner posts beneath engraved foliate scroll pierced front fret signed William Selwood at Mermaid at Lothbur to lower edge, with plain side frets, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer above, the sides with hinged brass doors, the rear with iron backplate fitted with spurs and an offset verge crownwheel alarm mechanism sounding via a cranked T-shaped hammer on the inside of the hour bell, on turned ball feet, the countwheel and hour wheel with 'matchstick man' foundry marks, (reinstated escapement and alarm, rope line for alarm lacking).39.5cm (15.75ins) high, 16cm (6.25ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep including spurs. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 268-271.Illustrated in Loomes, Brian Lantern Clocks & Their Makers onpage 77 (Figure 6.57). William Selwood is recorded in Loomes, Brian Lantern Clocks & Their Makers as born near Abingdon, Oxfordshire in 1607, and working as a clockmaker in London by 1628 (under the auspices of the Clothworkers' Company). He took-in Henry Ireland as an apprentice in 1632 and was admitted as a Free Brother in the newly established Clockmakers' Company the following year. Selwood worked at the Mermaid in Lothbury where he took-in many apprentices including notable lantern clock makers such as Thomas Knifton, Samuel Davis and Edward Norris (Knifton's brother-in-law). William Selwood died a bachelor in 1653 and was succeeded by Thomas Loomes. Selwood was a significant maker as his work exhibits progression towards a degree of standardisation within lantern clock making alongside the work of William Bowyer. John Robey notes that the dial of the present clock is engraved with 'the Dove of Peace' holding an olive branch in his beak, and suggests that, as Selwood was possibly a Baptist (hence a likely supporter of Cromwell) that this probably commemorates the victory of the Parliamentarians over the Royalists in the English Civil War (1651). The flowering foliate engraved decoration in general conforms to another example by Selwood illustrated by Loomes on page 75 (Figures 6.49-50) albeit with differences within the blooms, and being around a central rose motif (rather than an alarm disc). The clock illustrated by Loomes also clearly has a fret engraved by the same hand including the signature text with 'Lothbury' somewhat squeezed-in at the end.The design of fret the castings are of the earlier 'strapwork' type which was generally phased-out during the 1650's in favour of the later 'foliate' pattern (see White, George English Lantern Clocks page 144), whilst the frame castings are of typical early second period 'Lothbury' pattern which were mainly in use up until around 1660. 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 led 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.In addition to the frame components wheel blanks etc were also cast in specialist foundries who sometimes marked their castings. The present clock has 'matchstick' man casting marks to the hour and countwheels, these are more often than not found on clocks by Selwood and Robey notes that this could be for a predecessor of John Mayor who advertised brass castings for clocks in the 1690's. Condition Report: The movement is invery original condition with the only noticeable replacement within the trains beingthe escapeweel. The clock was previously converted to anchor escapement regulatedby long pendulum swinging to the rear but has skillfully restored back to its originalconfiguration. The pinions exhibit historic wear however adjustments have beenmade to ensure wheels engage with unworn sections of the pinions hence clock isin working order. The top plate has a spare threaded hole – the purpose ofwhich is not known but is not considered suspicious, as well as two small holeswhich may have originally been for ‘hogs bristle’ banking pins. The rear edgeof the plate has reinstated hanging hoop. The dial is in very good condition retainingold lacquer surface; the alarm disc and chapter ring were most likelypreviously silvered. The hand is a replacement. The frame is in good originalcondition with faults limited to the front right finial and right foot beingboth slightly bent. The frets are original and in good condition. The sidedoors are replacements. The iron backplate is a restoration complete with thealarm mechanism which has also been reinstated to a high standard. The top finialis a replacement, the bell and stand are probably original.Clock is completewith lines and brass-cased weights. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN IMPRESSIVE LARGE ‘FIRST PERIOD’ STYLE BRASS LANTERN CLOCK THE DIAL BEARING A SIGNATURE FOR WILLIAM BOWYER, LONDON,PROBABLY MID 20th CENTURY INCORPORATING PERIOD ELEMENTSThe substantial posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separatelywound trains, the going train with reinstated verge escapement regulated bybrass balance wheel oscillating above the top plate, the strike train soundingthe hours on a bell mounted above the frame via a countwheel with overliftprovided by a hoop wheel cut with single slot, the locking detent unusuallypivoted via a sleeve around the warning detent arbor, and the hour hammer withseparate front pivot post to allow removal without having to dismantle themovement, the dial lapped against the frame top and bottom plates and securedto the front movement bar via a double-pinned lug to the rear of the chapterring at twelve o’clock, with central rose-engraved Roman numeral alarm disc envelopedby fine intensely engraved bird inhabited leafy floral scrollwork incorporatinga grotesque mask flanked by cornucopias at twelve o’clock, with heavy sculptediron hand within applied narrow 6.5 inch Roman numeral chapter ringincorporating stylised fleur-de-lys hour markers and asterisk quarter markersto inner track, with fine leafy scroll infill to upper angles and the lowermargin bearing engraved text William Bowyer of London fecit withinconforming foliate scroll infill, the substantial early first period styleframe with slightly projecting heavy Doric column-turned corner posts beneathpaired boars head inhabited foliate scroll engraved and pierced front fret,plain side frets and large squat ring-shouldered ovoid finials, with domed bellbearer set low within the superstructure and surmounted by a further conformingfinial, the sides with heavy pin-hinged cast brass doors and the rear withhanging hoop over iron backplate fitted with an offset verge crownwheel alarmmechanism sounding via a cranked T-shaped hammer on the inside of the hourbell, on turned ball feet incorporating spurs to the rear pair, (wheel trainsand possibly elements of the frame very early 17th century, the rest later).38cm (15ins) high, 16.5cm (6.5ins) wide, 20.5cm (8ins) deep including spurs.Provenance:Private Collection, Gloucestershire.The present lot is an impressive and very well finished example which veryeffectively captures the strong visual qualities of the finest early English‘First Period’ work. The frame is particularly generous and appears to becomposed from unique castings; although details such as the finials andslightly protruding corner columns are akin to the earliest frames by thebrothers Robert and Thomas Harvey albeit with the finials being much fatter.The relatively high position of the chapter ring echoes that seen on theearliest clock by Robert Harvey (illustrated in White, George EnglishLantern Clocks page 49 Figure II/130) which, in the case of the currentlot, is governed by the relative sizes of the hour wheel and strike traingreatwheel.The engraving to the dial of the present clock shows significantsimilarities with Bowyer’s famous ‘Memento Mori’ clock of 1623 illustrated byWhite on page 66 (II/49) with the main difference being the inclusion of thegrotesque mask flanked by cornucopias to the centre at twelve o’clock. Theengraving is very finely executed and particularly precise in its composition.The text for the signature across the lower edge is also very well scripted butperhaps does not quite share the feel of inscriptions seen on examples ofBowyer’s work. The chapter ring is almost exactly the same as that of the 1623‘Memento Mori’ clock, including the same asterisk quarter-hour markers to innertrack; the hand is also a match. A further similarity is the front fret, which accordingto White (page 78) incorporates boars head motifs almost certainly taken fromConrad Gessner’s Historia Animalium (1551-58 and 1587). Although thefront fret is finely engraved the casting itself would appear to lack thesubtlety of the thickness reducing towards the top typically seen on ‘period’castings.From the above observations it would appear the dial and frets of thepresent clock were heavily inspired by Bowyer’s Memento Mori clock of 1623,whilst the unique frame castings echo the earliest patterns but carry much moreweight in their design.The wheelwork appears to conform with ‘First Period’ work and exhibitsgenuine signs of age and wear. The collets are well turned and match those seenon another clock by Bowyer illustrated by White on page 102 (Figure II/129).Normal practice during the ‘First Period’ was to use steel for the pulley cheekclosest to the great wheel on both trains (to carry the winding click spring).The current lot however utilises brass cheeks throughout although elongation tothe rope exit holes in the baseplate confirms that the pulleys themselves arereplacements. Filled holes in the top plate indicate that the escapement wasonce converted to anchor with long pendulum swinging to the rear hence thepresent escape wheel and balance have the appearance of being reinstated.The strike train has the very unusual detail of having the locking detentpivoted via a sleeve fitted around the warning detent arbor. This featureechoes that seen on the ‘Skelton’ miniature prototype lantern clock illustratedand discussed in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration Clocks & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 pages 252-56. Inaddition to this the hour hammer pivot arbor of the current lot also has aseparate post for the front pivot (which allows the hammer assembly to beremoved without dismantling the movement). This feature is also reminiscent ofthe Skelton clock which has posts for all the strikework and hammer pivots. Onefinal feature which the present clock shares with the Skelton clock is the factthat the top and bottom plates protrude beyond the adjacent pillar/finial/feetcastings.The presence of all three of these similarities with the Skelton clock wouldappear to be more than a mere coincidence, especially considering the fact thatthe present clock was in the ownership of the vendor prior to the discovery ofthe Skelton clock. From this it may be reasonable to suggest that some of thecore elements of the current lot may well have been from a particularly earlylantern clock perhaps even originating from the same workshop as the Skeltonclock. John Robey dates the Skelton clock to circa 1590-95 hence some elementsof the present lot may date to very close to 1600.Although it would appear that much of the present lot appears to 20thcentury reconstruction, incorporating details perhaps inspired by Bowyer’sMemento Mori clock of 1623, there are many notable features within the periodelements which, when coupled with its strong visual qualities, results in aclock of significant presence. As such it would perhaps be fair to say that thePresent clock pays suitable homage to William Bowyer and, as such, would provea worthy addition to an early 17th century interior.William Bowyer is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain1286-1700 as the son of Ralph Bowyer (yeoman of Warfield Berkshire) who isbelieved to have been married to Alice Mansworth in 1590. William was probablyborn around this time and by 1616 was a member of the Pewterers' Company whenhe took-in Thomas Taylor (son of Ralph Taylor, a milliner from Halesowen,Shropshire) as an apprentice. Bowyer took-in no less than five furtherapprentices prior to the formation of the Clockmakers' Company in 1631,including John Pennock (son of William Pennock of Guisborough, Yorkshire) in1620. Although he subscribed £5 towards its charter and was made free of theCity in 1630, William Bowyer did not apparently join the Worshipful Company onits establishment the following year.Bowyer is thought to have been first married to Margery Barlow ofLitchfield, Staffordshire, however, by 1631 he was married to Prudence withwhom he had five children (three of
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A VERY RARE CHARLES I IRON-FRAMED HYBRID LANTERN/WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1640The posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separately wound trains set between forged-iron cruciform pivot bars incorporating iron walled cheeks to the click side of both pulleys, the going train now with anchor escapement incorporating cranked pallet arbor for regulation by a seconds pendulum swinging to the rear of the frame, the strike train sounding the hours on a bell mounted above the frame via a countwheel with overlift provided by a hoop cut with single slot, the dial centre engraved with a ring of stylised alternating tulip and rose bloom motifs and with scroll-pierced iron hand incorporating a long spade-shaped tail, within applied 6 inch silvered Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating stylised leaf hour markers and with engraved abstract foliate infill to angles, the frame with angled square section corner uprights forged with inward-facing angled lugs cut with slots to secure the iron top and bottom plates with rivets, beneath integral delicate spire finials terminating with onion-shaped pommels, the front with engraved armorial pattern fret beneath bell supported within wrought iron bearer and the rear with hanging hoop, on four tall delicate club-shaped feet forged integral to the corner posts, (lacking side frets, doors and backplate, rope lines, weights and pendulum).35cm (13.75ins) high, 15cm (6ins) wide, 19.5cm (7.75ins) deep including hanging hoop. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 300-303, and is further illustrated on page 395.Illustrated and described in Loomes, Brian Lantern Clocks & Their Makers on page 343 (Figures 20.8-9). John Robey notes that with the exception of the escape wheel and pallets the movement of the present clock is all-original. The wheels are set on heavily tapered arbors and the cruciform movement bars are made from strips of wrought-iron with the arms attached via fire-welded lap joints. The part iron-walled pulley cheeks together with features such as four-leafed pinions of report driving both the hour and countwheels follow conventional English 'First Period' practice, hence suggests a date of manufacture prior to the Civil War.The design of the fret casting is very similar to those used on many London 'First Period' clocks (see White, George English Lantern Clocks page 144) but differs in that it is a slightly larger and more heavily cast with wider-spacing to the securing lugs. This suggests that it is either 'bespoke' or a regional variation of the design. The engraving to the dial follows basic 'ring-of-roses' practice but is executed in a highly stylised manner with the corner infill abstracted even further; this again is suggestive of provincial practice but is confident in its execution. The iron hand is original and is notable in having a particularly long and pronounced tail. The forged iron frame is precisely finished with delicate turned detailing. The hammer spring and stop are also finely worked hence are on a par with the best London work of the period. Although the present clock is extremely rare there are other iron framed lantern/chamber clocks known. Indeed John Robey, in appendix Bb of GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800, reviews the dozen or so other known/documented examples. Notwithstanding this the frame of the present clock appears to be unique and particularly finely detailed which sets it aside from the others. As none from this group of iron-framed clocks is signed it is not known whether they are indicative of specific regional style, although it would seem that this is a distinct possibility. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FINE AND RARE JAMES II VERGE POCKET WATCH MOVEMENT THOMAS TOMPION, LONDON, NUMBER (1)212, CIRCA 1690The gilt full plate single fusee movement with four pierced tulip pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm steel balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with fine symmetric foliate scroll pierced, chased and engraved balance cock with part herringbone bordered canted rim, with conforming pierced irregular scroll engraved foot flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Tho. Tompion, London and numbered 0212, the front of the pillar plate also stamped with serial number 212, (lacking motionwork, balance staff top pivot broken, fusee chain unhitched)The pillar plate 3.9cm (1.5ins) diameter. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Previously the property of Edward, the late 7th Duke of Leinster (1892-1976), who gifted the watch to June Mary Crisp prior to 1959. Thence by descent to her son, Maxwell B. Craven (author of JOHN WHITEHURST of Derby, Clockmaker & Scientist 1713-88 amongst numerous other titles of Derby-based historical interest), from whom Dr. John Robey purchased the watch circa 2012.Correspondence from Maxwell B. Craven describes how June Mary Crisp befriended Edward Leinster in Brighton during the 1950's, and recalls the present watch movement being amongst several others (along with other odds and ends) which he was allowed to amuse himself with as a child when accompanying his mother on visits to and from Brighton. It is not known how Edward Leinster came by the watch however it does beg the question as to whether it was a 'family piece' that had lost its case due to the need to raise funds during past hard times. Thomas Tompion has often been referred to as the 'father of English clock and watchmaking'. When considering the legacy of his work and influence on subsequent generations, such a compliment is justly deserved. Born in Ickwell, Suffolk in 1639 Thomas Tompion appears to have developed an affinity for metalworking from his father, also named Thomas, who worked as a blacksmith. By 1670 Tompion had moved to London and was working in the clock and watchmaking trade. Although there is no record of his apprenticeship or whether he received any formal training prior to moving to London, he quickly became established and obtained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in late 1671. His early clocks demonstrate a close working relationship with the Fromanteel, East and Knibb workshops. Around this time Tompion became friendly with eminent mathematicians and scientists such as Robert Hooke and Jonas Moore - perhaps the most progressive and inventive minds of the day. Such associations lead to Royal commissions, firstly from Charles II for whom Tompion is known to have made one of the earliest balance-spring watches in 1676 and later William III who ordered numerous clocks to furnish his various palaces throughout his reign. As well as being an extremely talented artisan Tompion was also commercially minded, cleverly introducing serial numbering for his watches and clocks from around 1681/2. This, as well as maintaining a high degree of refinement in both the design and construction of his clocks and watches, ensured the highest level of exclusivity for clients purchasing from him. In around 1701 Thomas Tompion took a former apprentice, Edward Banger, into partnership. Banger was originally apprenticed to Thomas Ashby in 1687 but was transferred over to Tompion and gained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695. He was clearly a talented maker (when considering the few examples signed by Banger alone) however a serious problem between him and his former master caused the partnership to come to an abrupt end in 1707-8 for reasons unknown. On Banger's departure Tompion reverted to working alone until he found confidence in George Graham who had been engaged as a journeyman for Tompion since 1696. Graham's character had already been given the seal of approval by Tompion who allowed him to marry his niece, Elizabeth, in 1704; however it still would be a few years before Tompion would take Graham into partnership which he eventually did in 1711. Thomas Tompion died in November 1713 leaving the business to George Graham who maintained the same exacting standards and became famous in his own right with notable achievements including the development of the deadbeat escapement for pendulum clocks and the cylinder escapement for watches. The style and execution of the engraving to the backcock of the present movement can be closely compared to Tompion watch number 1004 (a timepiece with subsidiary seconds) illustrated in in Evans, Jeremy; Carter, Jonathan and Wright, Ben THOMAS TOMPION, 300 YEARS on page 576. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A WALNUT SMALL EIGHT-DAY LONGCASE CLOCK WITH FINE WILLIAM AND MARY MOVEMENTAND DIALTHE MOVEMENT AND DIAL BY JOHN DREW, LONDON, CIRCA 1690, THE CASE 20thCENTURYThe twotrain outside countwheel bell-striking movement with tall slender plated measuring7.375 by 5 inches, crossed-out countwheel and anchor escapement regulated byseconds pendulum, the 9.75 inch latched square brass dial with ringed windingholes and conforming calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silveredRoman numeral chapter ring with squat fleur-de-lys half hour markers and smallArabic five minute annotations within the outer minute track, with scrollpierced blued steel hands and applied winged cherub mask and scroll spandrelsto angles with foliate scroll engraved infill to margins between and signed JohnDrew Londini fecit to lower margin, now in a finely made walnut rising-hoodcase with scallop shell centred foliate scroll carved swan-neck crest appliedto the projecting ogee moulded cornice, over plain frieze and fixed glazed dialaperture flanked by Solomonic twist three-quarter columns to the front angles,the sides with tall rectangular windows and conforming twist quarter columnsset against bargeboards continuing up past the frieze to meet the underside ofthe lintel at the rear edge, the trunk with convex throat moulding over 40.5inch rectangular door faced with two pairs of book-matched figured walnut veneerswithin cross-grain D-shaped edge mouldings, on plinth base with stepped-ogeeupper mouldings over fascia applied with conforming book-matched veneers andbun feet.202cm(79.5ins) high including gilt ball finial, 40.5cm (16ins) wide, 22cm (8.75ins)deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.John Drew is recorded in Loomes, Brain TheEarly Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as born around 1663 and apprenticedto Joseph Knibb for eight years from September 1676 until 1684. He worked outof a shop in Johnson Court, on Fleet Street and is believed to have marriedEleanor Ferentine in 1688. John Drew took-on eight apprentices during hiscareer none of which appeared to continue in the trade. He signed theClockmakers 'oath of allegiance' in 1697 and, in 1712, was appointed Beadle ofthe Company, taking over from the deceased Richard George, an engraver who hadheld the position for over a decade. The official descriptionof a Livery Beadle's duties was to attend every official Livery function,maintain the peace during meetings, look after robes, etc. Unofficially, atthis time, the role was usually given as a source of income to members who had fallenon hard times. He was succeeded as Beadle on his death on 1713 by ChristopherGould, and his wife continued receiving charity from the Company until herdeath in 1715. The current movement anddial is a relatively early example of John Drew’s work retaining many featurestypical of the workshop of his master, Joseph Knibb. Most notable amongst theseare the lack of bridge over the hour wheel to the frontplate, crossed-outcountwheel, fully latched slender plates and high-position calendar aperture withinthe matted centre. The proportions, layout and detailing of the movement itselfwould suggest that it was made during the 1680’s, however, the presence ofringed decoration to the winding holes coupled with scroll engraved infill tothe margins between the spandrels, would suggest a date just into the 1690’s. The fact that the spandrels butt up to edge of the dial plate indicates that the present dial was intended to be housed in a case with a rising hood.The case is beautifully executedand is a faithful replica of the finest examples made during the 1680’s. Themouldings are particularly fine, and the veneers carefully chosen. Details suchas the bargeboards to the rear edge of the hood continuing up past the friezeto meet the underside of the lintel, and high-position trunk door lock mirrorthose seen on cases supplied for movements and dials made in the workshop ofJoseph Knibb at that time. Condition Report: Movement is completeand in full working condition. There is no visible evidence of alteration ornoticeable replacements although the escape wheel and pallets could be well-matchedservice replacements. The movement shows signs of use (historic re-bushing) anda few minor bruises to the pillars, scratches etc. Although has been kept inworking order by John Robey it may benefit from a light service if intending toput into long-term use. The dial is in fine condition with faults very muchlimited to slight oxidation/mellowing of the surface finishes and very slightrust to the hands. The movement has an old seatboard now fitted with blocks sothat the movement and dial sit at the correct level with the seatboard restingon low cheek uprights. The case is in fine condition with the only notable faultbeing the trunk door lock tongue does not quite align with the aperture cut inthe case upright hence door does not currently lock. There are a few very minorbumps and bruises but no shrinkage cracks etc.Clock has pendulum,pair of brass cased weights, case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
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