Lantern clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1650-1660
This English lantern clock dates to circa 1650–1660 and was made in London by the clockmaker Richard Ames. Constructed with a posted frame of brass and iron using casting, turning, piercing, and engraving, the clock stands on ball feet with a square base. It is surmounted by four brackets supporting a large overhead bell and turned baluster finials. The case features pierced dolphin cresting at the front and sides, formed as foliate strapwork with tulip flowers and leaves.
The front fret is signed beneath the dolphins with the inscription "Richard Ames London". The brass dial-plate is engraved with tulip motifs and foliage, fitted with a brass chapter ring showing Roman hour numerals. In the center, an iron alarm dial with Arabic numerals can be rotated to set the alarm. The time is indicated by iron hour and minute hands terminating in fleur-de-lis ends. Overall, the clock measures 350 mm in height, and the clock face has a diameter of 160 mm.
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.
Historical context
Lantern clocks originated in Europe in the 16th century for domestic use, designed to hang on a hook or rest on a wall bracket. Their prominent overhead bells struck the hours to provide an audible time reference throughout the household. Richard Ames, who apprenticed to Peter Closon in 1649 and worked in St Andrew's Holborn from 1657 until his death in 1682, produced this timepiece. It was later bequeathed by artist Estella Canziani.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Brass, iron, cast, turned and pierced and engraved
- Dimensions
- Height: 350 mm; Diameter (clock face): 160 mm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Richard Ames is recorded a working in London from circa 1657 to his death in 1682 when his wife Katherine took over his business ; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: Richard Ames London; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Ames, Richard
- Place recorded
- London
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Lantern clock
- Museum object number
- M.49-1995
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.