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English 'Lantern' Clocks

The correct term for Lantern clocks is 'Chamber' clocks.

There is a theory that the word Lantern was derived from the word Latten; an old name for brass. This is probably untrue especially as the clocks themselves resemble lanterns of the day.

Chamber clocks were the very first domestic timepieces and are still very affordable considering their age, limited numbers and Horological importance.

There is a misconception that most old Lantern clocks are fake, this is untrue because the cost of faking one of these items would probably cost more than buying the real thing! What is true though is that most old Lantern clocks are not totally original. Because of their age and vulnerability, these clocks have quite often fallen off their wall fixings during their lifetime and finials, frets, bells, bell straps and doors have become broken or damaged. Quite often, early owners paid for the escapements to be changed to the more accurate 'Anchor recoil' type with a long pendulum. Also, wheel trains have sometimes been changed so that they would run for 30 hours on a single winding instead of just 15 hours. Motion work was sometimes added to allow a minute hand to be fitted instead of just an hour hand; complete spring driven movements were often fitted so that the clocks could be used on a table and only required winding once a week - this practise was carried out at considerable expense and was deemed along with the other alterations as 'improving' the clock.

It is generally acceptable to many owners for their Chamber clock to have these alterations even though they could be corrected, the changes are part of the clock's history and intrigue. To find a clock that has had little or no alteration is extremely rare and obviously, it will be a lot more valuable.

We work closely with the purchasers of our Chamber clocks because there is the aspect of conservation to consider. Even though we can correct any fault and make any part, not all purchasers want this so we are happy to have lengthy consultations with them so that we can be sure that once sold, the clocks are exactly as the new owners want them. Some people like the cases polishing as they were originally and the engraved areas such as the front fret, dial and chapter ring silvering whereas others prefer the tarnised and aged look. We do insist however on supplying a clock that is working correctly with a full guarantee. We also explain in full what has been altered on our clocks, what is incorrect and also, what has been 'Bodged'.


*It is the policy of M C Taylor to explain every aspect of the clocks they sell and it is worth noting that a dealer cannot have the insight into originality that an experienced restorer can. We turn down many lantern clocks that we are offered because of the unrealistic prices asked for clocks that are offered as original and are not and we are appalled at some of the examples sold to people as completely original yet they have have replacement wheels and pinions, poorly aged new frets (look at the edges - they are always brighter than the rest) etc. etc. Mr. Taylor is currently writing a booklet on how to authenticate and buy an English Chamber clock that will be free to download, if you would like notification please email us with the request.

We provide an unbiased vetting service for Chamber clocks for a nominal fee, the items are examined in detail and the results offer peace of mind to the owners.

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A small 18th century lantern clock with a Turkish dial. By Markwick Markham, London. Circa: 1730.

A small 18th century lantern clock with a Turkish dial. By Markwick Markham, London. Circa: 1730.

A lovely little lantern clock in great and original condition. Stock No:   14497 The 30 hour duration, 2 train, chain and single weight driven movement with its original Verge and short pendulum escapement. Also having countwheel striking the hours on the top-mounted bell of good tone. Having a 6" x 8 1/4" break-arch brass dial with cast brass spandrels to the corners and arch...

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Lantern clock by Joseph Buckingham of London with Verge escapement. Circa 1690.

Lantern clock by Joseph Buckingham of London with Verge escapement. Circa 1690.

A good, undamaged English 'Chamber' or 'House' clock. Stock No:   14481 The 30 hour duration, 2 train, chain driven movement with Verge escapement and short attached peardrop pendulum mounted to the rear. Countwheel striking the hours on the large top-mounted bell. Within the typical framed structure with iron back plate and probably original, opening and removable side doors...

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William Clement of Totnes Lantern clock. Circa late 17th century.

William Clement of Totnes Lantern clock. Circa late 17th century.

An extremely rare clock by this highly collectable maker. Stock No:   14475 The thirty hour duration movement with an early Anchor Recoil escapement and the usual countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell. Both of the trains have uncolleted and tapered wheel arbors. The diameter of the chapter ring is 6 1/2" and is signed by the maker with the place spelt as "Tottness"...

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Handmade Lantern clock oak wall bracket.

Handmade Lantern clock oak wall bracket.

Handmade oak wall bracket Stock No: 14472 I have always considered placing lantern clocks upon brackets to be much kinder on the clock and also a way of enhancing their appearance therefore, we make them. We construct them using the Wainscott panelling style and use wooden pegs instead of nails or screws. We only use English oak that is around 300 years old and reclaimed from old furniture...

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A rare northern English lantern or 'House' clock by Henry Burges senior of Mobberley, Ches

A rare northern English lantern or 'House' clock by Henry Burges senior of Mobberley, Cheshire. Circa 1680.

A scarce example of a Cheshire Lantern clock. Stock No:   14422 The now chain driven, posted framed, 30 hour duration movement with its original rear-mounted, early style Anchor Recoil escapement and long pendulum. It has winding to both sprockets which is an early feature and allows the striking train to run down at night so as not to keep the owner awake...

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