Rear-wind Fusee Lantern Clock

WEST COUNTRY

A fourth quarter 17th century West Country lantern clock with later rear-wind fusee movement. The high-quality, single fusee movement makes the clock freestanding and free from chains or rope. The main advantages over the traditional weight-driven movement are that the clock can be sited on a mantle or table-top and there is no need to wind the clock daily. The clock keeps excellent time, striking the hour with a single passing strike on the lantern bell.

The broad lantern frame having single-piece cast brass pillars of typical West Country style. The engraved dial decorated with a large scale tulip pattern, typical of Bristol makers. Nicely engraved crossed dolphin front fret and plain side frets. The Roman numeral chapter ring with trident half-hour markers and inner quarter hour track. The chapter ring was trimmed top and bottom by the clockmaker to fit between the plates, which is also commonly found in West Country clocks. Note the numerals 'VI' and 'XII' have been engraved at a reduced height to fit into the available space on the chapter ring (see detail photograph).

The clock having 6" square frame and 6 1/2" diameter chapter ring stands 15 1/2 inches high.

Price: SOLD