Lantern Clock by John Smorthwaite

COLCHESTER, ESSEX

A fine example of an early 18th century lantern clock made by John Smorthwaite of Colchester. Thirty-hour weight-driven movement running on its original recoil (anchor) escapement and counting the hours on the lantern bell. The clock retains its original frets, the side fret showing evidence of an early repair. The doors are of heavy, cast and scraped brass showing some great age and may be original to the clock (doors are often lost due to their nature, lifting out very easily). There are no spurious holes to the clock frame which indicates it has not been tampered with or suffered any conversions. The silvered chapter ring having Roman numerals with lozenge half-hour markers. The deeply engraved dial plate being very typical of Smorthwaite clocks. The iron hand would appear to be original.

The clock having 5 1/2" square frame, 6 1/2" diameter chapter ring of 1 1/2" width and finely engraved 6 1/8" high dial plate with centre signature "Smorthwaite Colchester". The clock stands 15" high to top of bell finial.

John Smorthwaite was one of Colchester's earliest and most prolific clockmakers, working there from around 1710 until his death in 1739.

Price: SOLD