Lantern Clock by William Hawkins
BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK
An early- to mid-18th century lantern clock by William Hawkins, running on its original recoil escapement and Royal pendulum. A rare and original clock, unravaged by the passage of time. The clock has had very little use - the original wheelwork shows little sign of wear, the strike side running exceptionally smoothly.
The strapped bell over urn finials and three cast pierced scroll frets, the front fret engraved, supported on tapering Doric columns to ball feet.
The chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals and lozenge half-hour markers. The dial plate having fine foliate engraving and carrying the signature "Wm. Hawkins, St Edm Bury". Some interesting 'practice' engraving can be seen to the rear of the dial plate and chapter ring. Fine original pierced iron hand. Hoop and spikes, with spikes attached to the ball feet. The two train, weight-driven movement with countwheel strike and anchor escapement. This clock has a pleasant patina.
The clock having 5 1/2" square frame, 6 1/2" diameter chapter ring of 1 1/2" width and finely engraved 6" high dial plate. The clock stands 15" high to top of bell finial.
William Hawkins, a member of the well-established Hawkins family of East-Anglian clockmakers, was only making clocks in his own name for a very short time period hence few of his clocks survive.