Bonhams 1793 : A third quarter of the 17th century lantern clock Thomas Knifton, at the Cross Keys in Lothbury

Thomas Knifton, at the Cross Keys in Lothbury
The strapped bell with replaced central finial over four substantial tapering turned finials between three pierced and lightly engraved frets, the foremost signed with Knifton's 'cross keys' pictogram, over tapered Doric columns on ball feet, the Roman chapter ring 7/8ths of an inch in width and 6 inches in diameter, with floating star half hour numerals with fleur-de-lis half hour markers and no quarter hour track, the dial centre engraved with foliage and a mask at VI, the Roman alarm disc with an engraved rose and cut steel hand, the twin train weight driven movement with countwheel strike, converted to anchor escapement, (alarm train removed but retaining original iron backplate), the hammer springs with faceted edges 35cms (14ins) high.

Sold for £23,750 inc. premium

Footnotes

A similar example is illustrated in Loomes' 'Lantern Clocks and Their Makers' (Mayfield Books, 2008), page 108, fig 8.48.

Thomas Knifton was born in Nottingham circa 1614. In 1632 he apprenticed in London through the Clothworkers' Company to William Selwood of London. He occasionally worked at the 'Drap(er)'s Arms' but mostly at the Cross Keys in Lothbury, London, until his death in 1667. He was never officially admitted into the Clockmakers' Company.

Category: Clocks and Watches / Clocks

Auction terms and conditions