Thomas Tompion, London

Clockmaker: Thomas Tompion, London

Late 17th century ebonised longcase clock. Circa 1680

Case

Pine carcass case veneered in ebonised fruitwood. Formerly rising hood with pierced wood frieze over Solomonic reflective columns with integral turned capitals and bases. Convex throat mouldings to the trunk, the trunk door framed by half round mouldings with glass lenticle. Plinth resting on later bun feet. The period case most likely did not start life with the current movement.

Dial

Superb 10 inch square Type 1 fire gilded dial, signed Tho: Tompion Londini Fecit to the lower margin contained in a wheatear border. Narrow silvered chapter ring with Roman hour numerals, Arabic five minutes and 'sword hilt' half-hour marks. Finely matted centre to the dial with calendar aperture above VI, subsidiary seconds dial and shutters to the winding holes. Winged cherub head spandrels to the corners and fine original blued steel pierced and sculpted hands.

Movement

Eight day duration weight driven movement with six fine baluster pillars, all latched to the substantial plates with four latched dial feet. Anchor escapement with long crutch and count wheel striking the hours on a bell. Original wheels and pinions. Brass rod pendulum and brass cased weights to the original pulleys.

Height: 6ft 4 inches (195 cm)