CARTER, LONDON, MINIATURE BRASS LANTERN CLOCK

Object Description

A rare William and Mary Third Period miniature brass lantern clock in wonderfully pristine condition. The maker’s signature Carter is engraved to the dial centre below XII and London is set above VI, the rest of the dial centre being filled with very finely engraved leaves and flowers. The delicate chapter ring has sword hilt half hour markers and well engraved Roman numerals.

The foliate frets are engraved to the front and sides, and are rectangular in form, a typical feature on miniature Third Period lantern clocks made in London. The well-shaped steel hand is probably original as are the bell, the bell strap, the side doors and the alarm disc which is engraved with Arabic numerals.

The original crownwheel escapement has a short bob which swings at the back of the case. The steel hoop and spurs also appear to be original, and both the going and the alarm trains have ropes pulled by old brass cased weights. The original alarm work is mounted inside on the steel back plate.

Object Literature

Thomas Carter was born circa 1676, and was working in his own London workshops with a number of apprentices until the early 1700s. Early miniature lantern clocks in such original condition are a real rarity today.

References: Brian Loomes, Early Clockmakers of Great Britain: 1286 – 1700, p.109; Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks & Their Makers, pp.447-448; George White, English Lantern Clocks.

Object Details