J Millies of London Lantern Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1680
This lantern clock is attributed to J Millies of London and dates to circa 1680. It features a brass case constructed with tapered Doric columns mounted on spherical feet.
The clock includes a brass chapter ring with a diameter of 6.5 inches displaying Roman numerals. A distinct feature is the inclusion of two hands, which the source notes is unusual for lantern clocks of this era. The movement is rope-driven, provides a 30-hour power reserve, and utilizes a verge escapement. The striking mechanism sounds on a bell positioned at the top of the clock, which is protected by cross-straps and decorative urn-topped finials with foliate motifs.
Side doors on the brass frame provide access to the internal mechanism. The clock is designed as a hook-and-spike wall clock.
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
- Date
- circa 1680
- Type
- Lantern clock
- Maker
- J Millies of London
- Country
- England
- Escapement
- Verge
- Power reserve
- 30-hour
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- J Millies of London
- Chapter ring diameter
- 6.5 inches
Design
- Visible features
- • Brass chapter ring with Roman numerals • Hook-and-spike wall mounting hardware visible • Tapered Doric corner pillars with spherical feet • Internal brass movement plates and rope drive system
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece functions with a 30-hour movement, powered by a single-weight rope-drive system. The escapement is of the verge type. The striking mechanism is configured to sound on the top-mounted bell at each hour. Internal components, including the brass frame, gears, rope, and pulley system, are visible through the side access panels. The construction relies on traditional 17th-century horological methods consistent with the provided date.
- Condition and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to J Millies of London, circa 1680. Regarding the state of the movement, the source advises that potential collectors verify the authenticity of the internal verge escapement parts. Specifically, the auction description reports that interested parties should independently assess the object to determine if original 17th-century components have been preserved or if mechanical parts have been replaced during subsequent servicing or restoration.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is housed in a traditional brass lantern clock frame, described as a hook-and-spike variant. The architectural design incorporates tapered Doric columns that terminate in spherical feet. The top section is surmounted by a bell held in place by cross-straps, situated above urn-topped finials featuring foliate ornamentation. The dial consists of a brass chapter ring with a 6.5-inch diameter, engraved with Roman numerals. The clock features a two-hand configuration, which the source characterizes as an uncommon attribute for a lantern clock from the 17th century. Brass doors on the sides allow for access to the clock's interior.
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: Authenticity of internal verge escapement components is unverified
- Research required: Potential for modern restoration or mechanical parts replacement exists
- Research required: Specific 1680 dating remains an attribution