Thomas Tompion, London Walnut Longcase clock, circa 1680

Object Description

THOMAS TOMPION LONDINI FECIT

A fine Charles II period pre-numbered burr walnut veneered longcase clock by England’s greatest Clockmaker.

The perfectly proportioned small case is constructed primarily of oak and veneered with burr walnut of excellent colour. The clock stands on bun feet (replaced) and the long trunk door retains its original steel hinges. The flat hood is flanked by barley twist columns and has been converted back to rising.

The well-finished, substantial movement with original anchor escapement is of week duration with six latched, knopped and ringed pillars and latched dial feet. There is bolt and shutter maintaining power and the hours are sounded on a single bell via an inside locking plate. The wheelwork of the movement is in excellent condition with no apparent replacements. The original pendulum has a lenticular shaped bob, brass rod and an engraved graduated rating nut.

The 10 inch square brass dial is of good mellow colour with a matted centre and narrow silvered chapter and seconds rings. There is an aperture to view the day of the month above VI and the pierced and faceted steel pointers are of outstanding quality. The original corner spandrels are of the winged cherub variety and the bold maker’s signature is set below six o’clock on the dial plate within the beautiful wheatear border.

Object History

Provenance:
Believed to have been exhibited at the Royal Exchange, London in 1933
Percy Webster, Apollo, November 1938;
Sotheby’s, London, 3rd June 1949, lot 195;
R.A. Lee, Antiquarian Horology, vol. 8, September, 1974, p. 819.
Property from a Distinguished Private Collection, Sotheby’s London, June 2022

Object Literature

THOMAS TOMPION 1639 – 1713
Thomas Tompion is the best known and highly respected English clockmaker. Born at Ickwell Green, Bedfordshire in 1639 he moved to London in 1671 and became a free brother in the Clockmakers’ Company. In 1674, he established his business at the sign of the Dial and Three Crowns in Water Lane, now called Whitefriars Street. There he met Dr Robert Hooke, an eminent physicist and mathematician, who exchanged ideas with him in the early part of his career when he was gaining commissions for some of his most important clocks and scientific instruments. Through this association Tompion came to the notice of Charles II and from that time he held an unrivalled position in English Horology.

In 1703 Tompion was elected Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. He is known to have made about 650 clocks, approximately 16-20 clocks a year. Sometime between 1680 and 1685 he devised a numbering system for his clocks and watches which go up to 542. This was continued after Tompion’s death by his successor George Graham but this early longcase was made before he started his numbering system. Tompion died many years later in 1713 and as a mark of his greatness he is buried in Westminster Abbey.

Provenance:
Believed to have been exhibited at the Royal Exchange, London in 1933
Percy Webster, Apollo, November 1938;
Sotheby’s, London, 3rd June 1949, lot 195;
R.A. Lee, Antiquarian Horology, vol. 8, September, 1974, p. 819.
Property from a Distinguished Private Collection, Sotheby’s London, June 2022

Object Details