A brass lantern clock, John Wise, London
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1680
According to the auction catalogue, this brass lantern clock is signed by John Wise of London and dated to circa 1680. It stands 44 cm (17¼ in.) high. The clock features a 6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, a tulip-engraved dial plate signed 'John Wise London', and a central alarm disc, though the catalogue notes it is lacking alarm work.
The posted movement features divided trains, a verge escapement with an anchor-shaped bob oscillating between trains, and outside countwheel striking on the top bell. The brass frame is supported by tapered columns on ball feet, with urn finials, engraved galleried frets, and side doors fitted with open wings.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Lantern clock
- Height
- 44cm. 17¼in.
- Escapement
- Verge escapement with anchor-shaped bob
- Case features
- Engraved galleried frets and side doors with open wings
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker and place
- John Wise, London, circa 1680
- Dial description
- 6¾-inch silvered chapter ring signed John Wise London
- Striking mechanism
- Outside countwheel striking on top-mounted bell
- Maker / attribution
- John Wise
Design
- Visible features
- • Front-facing view of a brass lantern clock resting on ball feet against a grey background. • A large bell surmounted by crossed straps and a tiered central finial tops the case. • Pierced engraved galleried fret sits directly above the chapter ring. • Flared open wings are attached to the side doors.
- Dial Plate and Signature
- According to the source description, the clock has a '6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, the dial plate engraved with tulips and signed John Wise London'. The auction description also records a 'central alarm disc' on the dial.
- Case Form and External Fittings
- The brass lantern clock measures 44 cm (17¼ in.) in height. Direct observation shows the clock resting on ball feet, with a pierced engraved galleried fret positioned directly above the chapter ring, flared open wings attached to the side doors, and a large bell surmounted by crossed straps and a tiered central finial. The cataloguing describes the housing as a 'substantial frame with urn finials, tapered columns and ball feet, engraved galleried frets, iron hoop and spurs to the rear, the side doors with open "wings"'. The rear iron hoop and spurs are not visible in the provided frontal image.
- Reported Movement and Technical Notes
- The movement is described in the catalogue as a 'posted movement with divided trains, verge escapement with anchor-shaped bob oscillating between the trains, outside countwheel striking on the top-mounted bell'. The source explicitly notes that the clock is 'lacking alarm work'. Because internal mechanisms are concealed within the case, these mechanical attributes and missing parts are catalogued as reported rather than visually confirmed.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source catalogue notes the clock is lacking alarm work.
- Research required: Internal movement details, verge escapement, outside countwheel, and rear iron hoop and spurs are recorded from the auction description and cannot be verified from the frontal photograph.