Ahasuerus Fromanteel Brass Lantern Clock, circa 1650
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1650
This brass lantern clock dates to circa 1650 and is catalogued as made by Ahasuerus Fromanteel of London. The dial plate measures 5¾ inches across its chapter ring and is engraved with tulip motifs, signed within a drapery cartouche 'A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit'.
The clock features a central alarm disc and is constructed as a conventional posted frame surmounted by a top bell, pierced strap and shield frets, and turned finials, resting on turned ball feet. The auctioneer notes a verge escapement with top-mounted balance and a replaced alarm train.
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
- 39cm. 15½in.
- Escapement
- Verge escapement with top-mounted balance
- Alterations
- Replaced alarm train
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Chapter ring size
- 5¾-inch
- Maker's signature
- A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit
- Maker / attribution
- Ahasuerus Fromanteel
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced and engraved front fret with a central blank shield flanked by dolphins and scrollwork • Single iron hand positioned over an engraved tulip-pattern dial center and numbered alarm disc • Surmounted by a top-mounted hemispherical bell under arched straps and a central turned finial
- Dial and Inscription
- The brass lantern clock features a 5¾-inch chapter ring enclosing a dial plate engraved with tulips. The maker's inscription is located within an engraved drapery cartouche signed 'A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit'. Visible front photography shows the dial centered by an engraved alarm disc and indicated by a single iron hand. Mounted directly above the dial plate is a pierced fret. Visual observation shows the fret is engraved with dolphins and scrollwork flanking a central blank shield.
- Frame and Architecture
- The clock is constructed with a posted frame standing 39 cm (15½ in.) in height. The brass structure is supported on ball feet and surmounted by boldly-cast finials. Above the frame, a top-mounted bell is supported under arched straps and capped with a central finial. The cataloguing records that the rear of the clock is fitted with a hoop and spurs for hanging.
- Movement and Alterations
- The movement is catalogued as a conventional posted movement regulated by a verge escapement with a top-mounted balance. Striking is controlled by an outside locking plate sounding on the overhead bell. The auctioneer explicitly notes that the clock possesses a replaced alarm train. Further internal mechanical views, side plates, and the date or origin of the alarm train replacement are not recorded in the source.
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: Movement side and rear views are not shown in the image
- Research required: Source notes the alarm train is replaced