In this archive are Lantern Clocks which have been restored and sold by Roy C. Harris F.B.H.I.

With the origin and maker of this clock there is two possibilities. The first is the pillars are almost identical to those illustrusted (George White English Lantern Clocks),Fig II/93 the dial fastening, fig II /110, II 128B the collets. Hammer spring fig II 136C. These images refer to: - John Cattle London, but the same features can also be found on clocks attributed to Thomas Brown of Bristol. The style of the chapter ring and brickwork pattern suggests Bristol. The alarm work has been replaced and balance wheel reinstated. c. 1630

ANONYMOUS CHARLES I

A good Charles I Lantern Clock by an anonymous maker c.1630. The dial plate engraving with its symmetrical arrangement of flowers is a typical first period pattern as are the heraldic frets. The frame with its tall cup and cover finials used in conjunction with acorn finials shaped feet are again features typical of this early period. The more unusual and rare feature of this clock is the lugged bell and its hollow finial, few of which have survived. The movement has a reinstated balance wheel escapement, the pendulum regulation had not been invented at this period.

c. 1630

ANONYMOUS CHARLES I

A Charles I anonymous Lantern clock of small size. Originally balance wheel escapement now with early conversion to anchor recoil. Beautiful naive engraving to the dial and alarm disc. Lanterns of this period are rare and would be the only form of domestic timekeeper being produced at this period, known as the first period in terms of Lantern clock production.

c. 1625

JOHN BENNETT PLYMOUTH

John Bennett is recorded in English Lantern Clocks by George White, and an example of his work is illustrated of the late seventeenth century. Plymouth was a small and relatively unimportant town for clockmaking until the latter part of the 18th century remembering that the famous Thomas Mudge worked there. This clock is a fine centre swing pendulum winged Lantern clock. An attractive clock with good colour and well-executed engraving, some of the alarm work, backplate and wings have been replaced. The production of these clocks started in the 17th century, almost all examples known were produced with alarm train and verge escapement. The alarm work can be comfortably planted on the backplate and not fowl the pendulum. This is a good example of this period of lantern clock making.

c. 1690

c. 1680

NICHOLAS COXETER

LONDON

Born c.1625 and working 1638-77 Nicholas Coxeter is recorded as working from 1638 when he was apprentice to John Peenock and freed from the Clockmakers Company 1646, it was not until 1660 that his workshop began to produce clocks in any numbers. The disruption of England during the period 1640-1660 threw the Clockmakers Company into confusion by the outbreak of war, an we have to remember the Great fire of London in September 1666 was the greatest disaster for the Lantern clock trade. The fire started on Sunday 22nd at Pudding lane near to the north of London Bridge, by Monday it was badly out of control and moved quickly to destroy the workshops of the Lothbury area of Clockmakers. As a clockmaker Nicholas Coxeter worked into the third period of Lantern Clockmaking where the demand by astronomers and navigators for greater accuracy in timekeeping ensured that continuous efforts were made throughout the seventeenth century. Among his apprentices were William Coxeter, Thomas Wheeler, John Beale, and Richard Tracy; additional he bound apprentices for other masters. He worked in Lothbury in 1667 (after the great fire) was left 40 shilling and a gold ring in the will of his loving friend Simon Bartram who was a Captain in the army. Nicholas Coxeter was also frequently referred to as Captain Coxeter, he became The Clockmakers Company Assistant 1651, Warden 1655, Master 1661-62, 1671 and 1677 but in 1677-78 he was indisposed and could not serve as Master, he died Oct 1679. In December 1679 his widow gave over the Clockmakers Company papers, which were in his charge.

Below a balance wheel lantern clock with alarm (reinstated) of the typical Lothbury design. It has the double pulley system to increase the duration of the clock. Most balance wheel clocks run for twelve hours with a single line. This is a good clock by an eminent maker.

c. 1660

EDWARD CUTBUSH

MAIDSTONE

The family name of Cutbush and the history of this most prolific and interesting family is associated with at least twelve members who were actively engaged in the craft of clockmaking and its associated trades during a period of approximately 150 years. Edward Cutbush was the son of Edward Cutbush senior who was christened in July 1624. Edward Cutbush junior took his son Robert as apprentice in 1702. The ratebook for the year 1699 records Edward Cutbush as living next door to the 'Bird in Hand' in Bank Street. There is a fine lantern clock c.1705 by Edward Cutbush junior in the Maidstone museum.

Below is a clock very similar in style to the clock in the Maidstone museum having the same pattern chapter ring and pillars etc. It has the original anchor escapement and reversed hoop wheel, a feature I have seen on other Maidstone clocks. There is a bird engraved on the dial, may it be a reference to the 'Bird in Hand'?

c. 1710

BARNABY DAMMANT

COLCHESTER 1683-1738

Barnaby Dammant was born 1683 in the parish of St.Peter's Colchester and died 1738. He was the eldest son of Barnabas Dammant, (Ironmonger, Locksmith) and Frances his wife. The Clock and Watchmakers of Colchester by Mason, has numerous pages of information. He was admitted and sworn a free burgess on 20th. December 1700, at that date he was only seventeen years of age, whilst his brother William who was admitted on the same day, was only fifteen. This was most unusual although there were some other examples of admissions before the age of twenty-one. On 11th November 1713 Barnaby Dammant married Elizabeth Duffield, by licence at St.James Parish church Colchester. There seems to have been no record that they had any children. Barnaby Dammant must have received his early training in his father's business of Locksmith and Ironmonger, although he would of supplemented this by specialized training in the art of watch and clockmaking. On 8th August 1705 Barnaby Dammant indentured his first apprentice, Richard Cooke of Ipswich for seven years, his second apprentice Lawrence Gilson of Colchester was indentured also for the same term from May 1715. The premium was £27.10.0. which was a great sum in the 17th century. During his early years in business Barnaby Dammant produced lantern clocks, examples are illustrated in the Colchester book and this gives an indication of hisworkmanship and attention to detail that was an outstanding characteristic of the work of Dammant throughout his career. Dammant /Smorthwait/Buffett were the three clockmakers of this period who seem to produce the finest of craftsmanship against the later clockmaker of Colchester. This example below is an original anchor escapement lantern clock, doors and backplate replaced.

c. 1705

WILLIAM DUNANT LONDON c.1760

William Dunant is recorded as working as a clock and watchmaker in London from 1760. His known address recorded c. 1774 was Algersgate, Little Britain. In the eighteen century the standard sized lantern clock had ceased to be fashionable in London by 1700, even amongst the middle class. A few London workshops continued to produce them, but the market was now dominated by longcase and table clocks. Hogarth nowhere more pointedly illustrates this collapse in status of the standard lantern clock in the last of his six mid eighteenth century narrative paintings. ('Marriage á la Mode'), entitled 'The Death of the Countess'. Hogarth painted a standard size lantern clock (colour plate figure 8 English Lantern Clocks - George White.

This example: - A good original striking and alarm lantern clock The 18cm arched dial with single hand and engraved alarm disc, with foliate spandrels and signature plate in the arch signed Wm Dunant London no.485. The posted movement with verge escapement, countwheel striking and alarm on a bell surmounted by a turned finial, cast side frets, hoop and spurs.

c. 1760

JOHN EBSWORTH

LONDON (LONDINI) 1657-1699.

John Ebsworth was one of the Notable makers of this period, he was apprentice to Richard Aymes- Feb.23 1657-freed April 1665. He worked at the Cross Keys in Lothbury were it was said he probably succeeded Thomas Knifton there, he moved later to 'New Cheep Side' John Ebsworth was an assistant in the Clockmakers Company from 1682, Warden 1694-96 then Master 1697. He is recorded in Brittens Old Clocks and their Makers (Clutton) as producing many fine clocks including full size lantern clocks with dolphin frets, a beautiful marquetry longcase, and a small silver pocket watch with tortoiseshell flowered case He also describes him as being a good clockmaker selling many great clocks. Early Clockmakers of Great Britain mentions that the lantern clocks were usually signed 'John Ebsworth at ye Crossed Keys in Lothbury Londini fecit' or 'John Ebsworth in Lothbury Londini fecit'. He died 1699 his will dated May 1699 proved Sept 1699 in which Edward Stanton was appointed the overseer. Although there seems no apparent business connection between them. It mentioned his wife Susanna, and one Thomas Walker who was a clockmaker of that period. The following were apprentices to John Esbworth: July 1667 Bryan Lake-free Oct 1674; July 1672 William Sharpe-free July 168l; June 1675 John Barnett-free Sept 1682; Aug 1684 John Berry-free April 1692; Dec 1684 Johnathan Woodford-free July 1696; July 1696 Joseph Hutchin -free Aug 1703.

Below a good centre swing pendulum clock with crown wheel and verge escapement. This configuration was one that John Ebsworth produced in significant numbers. Many clocks are found with wings although none appear to be original. The hour wheel and ratch have the 'matchstick man' casting mark, this can be found on many Ebsworth lantern clocks. c. 1675 Also a balance wheel escapement clock of c. 1660

JOHN FORDHAM

DUNMOW ESSEX

John Fordham is recorded in: - Britten's Watch & Clockmakers and the Early Clockmakers of Great Britain with reference to a large lantern clock c.1680. Located in the market town of Dunmow Essex is the Great Dunmow Maltings, which is an outstanding example of an historic building conversion, with a fascinating insight into the structure of buildings and the working practices of the 16th century. This award winning attraction also houses the Great Dunmow Town Museum, which features many artefacts of the social life and history of the town. This museum houses a Lantern Clock Built in the town by John Fordham in 1710 (A photo of which can be found on the website home page of the Maltings) Great Dunmow as it is known can be found in the north west of Essex between Bishops Storford and Chelmsford.

An early 18th century square dial lantern clock with original anchor escapement the chapter ring signed John Fordham Dunmow No.548 Provincial clockmakers who numbered their products are rare and only a handful of London makers did so. Apart from the backplate the rest of the clock appears to be entirely original.

c. 1720

WILLIAM GLAZIER

LONDON (LONDINI) c. 1658-89

William Glazier (Glasier) is recorded as working from c.1658 when he was apprenticed to Thomas Mills who worked in Shoe Lane. Several apprentices are recorded to William Glazier they were, Simon Lambe, William Cooke, and Thomas Tingley all of whom are well recorded. As the clockmaking industry increased in London, many began to group together in various parts of the City. This lantern clock is signed on the dial WILLIAM GLAZIER IN SHOE LANE LONDINI FECIT Glazier took over the workshop and business of Thomas Mills in April 1666 the great fire of London destroyed his workshop in that September as it did those of Paul Lovell Senior, (who died in the flames) Paul Lovell Junior, Richard Bestwick and Abraham De Wit, all in Shoe Lane. By the styling this clock was probably made that year and also because the workshop of Thomas Mills was known for its lantern clock production.

Below a balance wheel escapement lantern clock (reinstated). This form of escapement was the first to be used in clocks and watches. It continued to be used in Lantern clocks until 1680 by some makers.

c.1666

NATHANIEL HEDGE COLCHESTER 1710-1795

A whole chapter is dedicated to the Hedge family in Bernard Masons book Clock and Watchmaking in Colchester. Such was the importance of this well recorded family of clockmakers. Nathaniel Hedge was apprenticed to John Smorthwait whose daughter Sarah was the reason his apprenticeship was cut short. This example of his work is an anchor escapement lantern clock typical of the period and area.

c. 1740

EDWARD HEMINS

BISTER

Edward Hemins of Bister (Bicester) was a well know and productive bell founder. he is also recorded has having made clocks and watches amongst them Lantern and Turret. It is more likely that he retailed and modified London production as this verge example shows the hallmarks at that period.

c. 1700

WILLIAM HOLLOWAY

STROUD.

An original anchor recoil escapement Lantern clock. This is a very distinctive and desirable clock by an individual maker who was the only one known to have produced these four wheel going train clocks. The radial sides of the escape wheel are the pallet contacts,(in other words the escape wheel is back to front of the conventional). Also this style of pillar was only used by this maker and brother John of Devises.

c. 1687

HENRY IRELAND

LONDON

The second period of lantern clockmaking in Lothbury saw a number of fine makers who became free brothers of the Company during the post war period, these included Henry Ireland 'at ye Dyall' Lothbury. In the north-eastern sector of the city production styles became very similar it could be said that a 'Lothbury style' had evolved. The disruption of England during this period 1640-1660 threw the Clockmakers Company into confusion by the outbreak of war, and we have to remember the Great fire of London September 1666 was a greatest disaster for the Lantern clock trade, the fire started on Sunday 22nd at pudding lane near to the north of London Bridge, by Monday it was badly out of control and moved quickly to destroy the workshops of the Lothbury clockmakers. This fine example of Henry Ireland's work is a balance wheel escapement Lantern clocks with alarm.

c. 1660

JOHN KNIBB

OXFORD

John Knibb (1650-1722) was a prolific producer of clocks of all styles and quality and in association with his eminent brother Joseph dominated the business in Oxford. This now was the time of challenges, William and Mary (1688-1702) were on the throne and the political and constitution changes that occurred were great. The demand by astronomers and navigators for greater accuracy in timekeeping resorted in fewer lantern clocks being produced. This Example: - A fine centre swing pendulum Lantern clock. This is an attractive clock with good colour and well-executed engraving. The production of these clocks started in the 17th century, almost all examples known were produced with alarm train and verge escapement. The alarm work can be comfortably planted on the backplate and not fowl the pendulum. This is a good example of a third period lantern clock.

c. 1690

THOMAS KNIFTON

at ye

CROSS KEYS LOTHBURY

Thomas Knifton is well known as one of the earliest makers of fine lantern clocks. He was apprenticed to William Selwood and was working on his own by 1642, though the Civil War disrupted clockmaking until the late 1640s. Thomas Knifton is believed to have followed the politics of the Parliamentary side, as did his master, William Selwood. Nicholas Coxeter (captain) it is suggested was a Royalist and his apprentice John Ebsworth took over the business of Knifton 'at ye cross keys.' The Great Fire of London 1666 followed the outbreak of Plague in 1665, which destroyed Lothbury. Knifton's death in 1667 would mean that he made few clocks after 1664. He took as apprentices Thomas Burgis, William Bunting, Thomas Ogden and William Seaman. This example of his work is typical of Lothbury and the makers work at this date. This clock has been reinstated with balance wheel escapement. In all an elegant clock from this period and maker.

c. 1660

THOMAS LOOMES

LONDON

A balance wheel Lantern clock with alarm by THOMAS LOOMES of LONDON. Good original wheel work and pinions. Well engraved and of nice proportions it is an attractive clock by this well known early maker the son-in law of FROMANTEEL.

c. 1650

DE LA HAYE a' PARIS

A rare and early balance wheel lantern clock with alarm by De La Haye of Paris. He is recorded as working in Paris in 1649 which is where I would date this clock given its style. At this period it varies little from its English cousins, the beautifully engraved dial has an image of the young King Louis XIV.

c. 1649

Richard Rayment Bury St.Edmunds is recorded as one of Suffolk's most important makers. Born c.1686 died 1754. He married Mary Browne of Elmswell, by licence at Timworth Sept. 26th. 1714. The licence described him as a watchmaker and gave his age as 28years, although this conflicts with the burial register. They had six children, one daughter, Mary, and five sons, Richard, Griffin, John, William and Thomas. The last two were educated at Bury Grammar School, Richard became an attorney-at law. Richard Rayment was not only a fine craftsman; he was also very successful in business. As a freeholder in Bury He voted in the Suffolk county poll of 1727, and in 1734 he served as churchwarden at St.Mary's church. Richard Rayment died in 1754 and was buried at St.Mary's Church Bury on 17th May, his memorial reads "Mr Richard Rayment aged 65" His will describes him as clockmaker, and in it he bequeathed his tools, materials and shop to his son, Griffin. George Lumley is named as tenant of one of his properties. The will was dated 26th April 1754 and proved on 18th May the day after he was buried. An example of his work is in the Bridewell Museum Norwich and another is illustrated in Suffolk Clock and Clockmaking, the Rayment family is well recorded in this book also.

A good anchor escapement lantern clock, engraved dial with foliate centre and signed Rich:d Rayment Bury, single hour hand, brass posted movement and countwheel striking on a bell surmounted by an urn finial, pierced and engraved front fret and plain side frets.

c. 1730.

WILLIAM RISBRIDGER

DORKING (SURREY)

A good clock of the period having an early conversion to the Royal pendulum to improve its timekeeping. It has well executed engraving to the dial, chapter ring and fret. William Risbridger was born in 1649 and married in 1680 his two children were baptized in 1680 and 1687. A well recorded maker of Lantern clocks, this example shows a little more quality than the London retail clocks of the time.

c. 1690

JOHN SMORTHWAIT COLCHESTER.

An original anchor recoil escapement Lantern clock, wide chapter ring typical of the period and area. Smorthwait was a prolific and important maker in COLCHESTER and did much to establish it as a centre of clock production in the first part of the 18th century.

c. 1720

MARTIN SNOW

George White records Martin Snow in the English Lantern Clock as showing the characteristic similar to that of the First Period London designs. The Lantern clocks by members of this family are well recorded, although the relationship of Martin Snow to the earlier members of this family is not clear, it is presumed that other members of the Snow family joined him in Wells. (recorded in clockmakers of Somerset) The research into this important family has been extensive, being clockmakers for more than one hundred and twenty years. The Clockmakers of Somerset records "Martin Snow of Wells" For mending the church clock. The following is recorded in the records of Axbridge churchwardens. " The Kings Arms put back" ( Presumably referring to the Royal coat of arms, which Cromwell had ordered should be removed from all churches in 1650. ) Martin Snow was working there c.1659-1663.

This example of his work a Balance wheel escapement Lantern clock (reinstated) Typical Snow family columns and dial, the chapter ring cast with integral pillars.

Dated 1648

SAMUEL STEVENS of LONDON

An original verge with original backplate and alarm work by SAMUEL STEVENS of LONDON. Apprenticed to EDWARD STANTON in 1672 for eight years. The pendulum is of the 'between the bars' position, many clocks are found with wings on the doors although there is some dispute as to whether or not they started out life with them or they were later (Victorian) additions.

c. 1690

THOMAS WHEELER

LONDON

Thomas Wheeler was apprenticed to Nicholas Coxeter 1647-48, Free 1655/56. The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, Thomas Wheeler was made Assistant from 1674, warden 1680, Master 1684. Thomas Wheeler last attended The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers c.1694. He died between 1695-1701 when his widow received CC charity. The second period Lothbury makers included Thomas Knifton 'at the Crossed Keys' William Sellwood (followed by Thomas Loomes) 'at ye Mermayd'. not far away beside the French Church in Threadneedle Street were Richard Beck and Thomas Wheeler and in Leadenhall Street was William Boyer's workshop. Thomas Wheeler is entered in the Clockmakers Company records c.1662 as working at two addresses, Chancery Lane and Lothbury, which are about a mile apart.

Towards the end of his career Thomas Wheeler produced a number of lantern clocks, among them many examples of the centre-swinging pendulum. In this clock the doors and wings are replacements as is some of the alarm work. This style of clock was quite common at the end of the 17th century; this is a good example by an early maker.

c. 1690

ANONYMOUS WINGED LANTERN CLOCK

An anonymous winged lantern clock from the late 17th century more than likely produced in London. Many lantern clocks were produced but not signed throughout the 17th century. It is difficult to tell from which workshops they came, but what can be said is that they vary in no way to the signed examples. This backs up the theory that many standard production clocks just had the dials and frets signed and fitted by some makers. The centre swinging pendulum lantern clock was popular by the end of the 17th century almost all had alarm work fitted to the backplate. A great number of crown wheel pendulum clocks were made with divided trains, instead of the pendulum swinging behind the clock, or between the striking train and the back plate, it swings between the going train and the striking train. This clock has its original blackplate and doors the wings have been replaced, in all a good example of a winged lantern clock.

c. 1700

JOHN WISE

LONDON

John Wise of London was apprenticed 1638 and free of the clockmakers company 1646, He died 1694. He was apprenticed to Thomas Dawson in July of 1638 and Peter Closon in Oct. 1646 He was one of the clockmakers freeded after the civil war along with Thomas Loomes, Samuel Davis and Ralph Almond. As a clockmaker John Wise worked into the third period of lantern clock making. John Wise is documented for unique movements on his lantern clocks ref: - English Lantern Clocks by George White.

This example: - A Good Winged Lantern clock of pleasing design. The dial plate engraved with tulips and signed John Wise London, with central alarm disc, the posted movement with divided trains, verge escapement with anchor shaped bob oscillating between the train, outside countwheel striking on a top-mounted bell, the substantial frame with urn finials, tapered columns and ball feet. The engraved galleried frets are a typical style of John Wise.

c. 1680

JOHN BUCK

CHESTER

A third period Lantern Clock signed John Buck of Chester, a clockmaker and goldsmith working c. 1660. The clock is of typical Lothbury for the period, more than likely signed for and retailed by John Buck.

GEORGE CHANDLER (Bucks)

An attractive well-proportioned and rare lantern clock signed George Chandler. What is unusual about this clock is that the movement has a four wheel going train, the only other maker I know of who used this in lantern clocks (anchor recoil escapement) was John Holloway of Stroud.

This clock has an original anchor escapement, doors, frets and hands, something that is increasingly difficult to find. George Chandler was a bell founder working Drayton Parslow, Bucks. 'Britten's Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers', records earlier lantern clocks signed by George Chandler and searches also reveal in 'British History online' documents referring to Church Parishes were he was recorded working on the church bells. George Chandler recorded born 1654 at Drayton Parslow Bucks and later at Wingrave Bucks where he died in 1726, which does coincide with revelent dates recorded in 'B.H.online'.

c.1700

JAMES HARRINGTON

IPSWICH

James Harrington is recorded as being born 1696 and died 1729. Little is known regarding this Suffolk clockmaker but two examples of his work are recorded. James Harrington seems to have originated in the west of Suffolk where the name Harrington is commoner than in the Ipswich area. James Harrington seems to have been married twice although very little information is known of his first wife. His second marriage is recorded: - James Harrington widower and Martha Jowers at Lavenham Feb 3rd 1728/9 (Parish registry). His will was dated October 13th 1729 and proved February 1729/30. It describes him as a founder, his brother Joseph Harrington a draper of Lavenham was executor to James's will and both his brother and James Harrington's widow were the principal beneficiaries. There were no mention of tools or stock or any other children of his first marriage. Known examples a lantern clock signed "Harrington Ipswich" and an eight- day long-case. This example of his work is a good original lantern clock of pleasing appearence with original doors, backplate, frets, hand etc.

c.1720