Robert Cosbey of Rattclife Cross Lantern Clock Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock movement Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock movement Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock bell strap Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock dial detail Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock escapement detail Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock escape arbor detail Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock side fret detail Robert Cosbey Lantern Clock pendulum

Robert Cosbey

Rattclife Cross London

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c. 1660

A mid-seventeenth century fine London-made full-size lantern. The dial has very early tulip engraving and carries the maker's signature 'Robert Cosbey neere Rattclife Crofs'. The front fret is well-engraved with crossed dolphins (side frets are also lightly engraved - a feature of well-made clocks of this period). The narrow chapter ring is typical of late second period style.

Originally made with balance wheel escapement, the clock benefited from a very early conversion circa 1680 to the more accurate recoil escapement and long pendulum. This early anchor escapement still retained (see photographs). The conversion was cleverly done by resiting the original balance potence with riveted end to create the new frontcock. The alarm work was removed as is normal with this type of conversion. The clock has remained unaltered since this date. The pendulum incorporates an interesting finger grip to aid adjustment of the pendulum regulating nut.

The movement is operated on 2 separate winding ropes. As commonly found with balance wheel clocks, the running duration was extended to make the clock run for longer than the normal 8-10 hour duration. This is often called a long-duration conversion. The holes for this conversion are still evident in the bottom plate. The clock runs for up to 14 hours (depending on height mounted) on separate weights for the going train and the strike train. By incorporating pulleys and counterweights, the clock will run for up to 28 hours.

The movement retains all of its original well-tapered, well-detailed arbors (see photographs), identical to those found on clocks by his master, Peter Closon.

The clock having 5 1/2" square frame, 6" diameter chapter ring of 7/8" width and engraved 6 1/4" high dial plate. Standing 15" high to top of bell finial.

Robert Cosbey was apprenticed to the very eminent lantern maker Peter Closon from 1646 and was freed in 1653 and is a recorded clockmaker until his death in around 1685.

Price: POA




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Robert Cosbey of Rattclife Cross Lantern Clock

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