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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lantern clock

A brass lantern clock, John Wise, London

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this brass lantern clock is signed by John Wise of London and dated to circa 1680. It stands 44 cm (17¼ in.) high. The clock features a 6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, a tulip-engraved dial plate signed 'John Wise London', and a central alarm disc, though the catalogue notes it is lacking alarm work. The posted movement features divided trains, a verge escapement with an anchor-shaped bob oscillating between trains, and outside countwheel striking on the top bell. The brass frame is supported by tapered columns on ball feet, with urn finials, engraved galleried frets, and side doors fitted with open wings.

Frontal view of the brass lantern clock signed John Wise, London
Frontal view of the brass lantern clock signed John Wise, London — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Clock · Lantern clock
Maker / attribution
John Wise
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
221
Source-reported date
circa 1680
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Form and External Fittings

The brass lantern clock measures 44 cm (17¼ in.) in height. Direct observation shows the clock resting on ball feet, with a pierced engraved galleried fret positioned directly above the chapter ring, flared open wings attached to the side doors, and a large bell surmounted by crossed straps and a tiered central finial.

The cataloguing describes the housing as a 'substantial frame with urn finials, tapered columns and ball feet, engraved galleried frets, iron hoop and spurs to the rear, the side doors with open "wings"'. The rear iron hoop and spurs are not visible in the provided frontal image.

Evidence for this section
  • “44cm. 17¼in. high”
  • “Front-facing view of a brass lantern clock resting on ball feet against a grey background.”
  • “A large bell surmounted by crossed straps and a tiered central finial tops the case.”
  • “Pierced engraved galleried fret sits directly above the chapter ring.”
  • “Flared open wings are attached to the side doors.”
  • “the substantial frame with urn finials, tapered columns and ball feet, engraved galleried frets, iron hoop and spurs to the rear, the side doors with open 'wings'”

Dial Plate and Signature

According to the source description, the clock has a '6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, the dial plate engraved with tulips and signed John Wise London'.

The auction description also records a 'central alarm disc' on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, the dial plate engraved with tulips and signed John Wise London”
  • “central alarm disc”

Reported Movement and Technical Notes

The movement is described in the catalogue as a 'posted movement with divided trains, verge escapement with anchor-shaped bob oscillating between the trains, outside countwheel striking on the top-mounted bell'.

The source explicitly notes that the clock is 'lacking alarm work'. Because internal mechanisms are concealed within the case, these mechanical attributes and missing parts are catalogued as reported rather than visually confirmed.

Evidence for this section
  • “the posted movement with divided trains, verge escapement with anchor-shaped bob oscillating between the trains”
  • “outside countwheel striking on the top-mounted bell, lacking alarm work”

Open research questions

  • What physical evidence remains internally regarding the missing alarm work?
  • Can physical inspection confirm whether the verge escapement and anchor-shaped bob are original or later restorations?
  • What is the condition of the rear iron hoop and spurs, which are obscured in the frontal view?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A brass lantern clock, John Wise, London
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and placeJohn Wise, London, circa 1680“John Wise, London, circa 1680”
Height44cm. 17¼in.“44cm. 17¼in. high”
Dial description6¾-inch silvered chapter ring signed John Wise London“6¾-inch silvered chapter ring, the dial plate engraved with tulips and signed John Wise London”
EscapementVerge escapement with anchor-shaped bob“verge escapement with anchor-shaped bob oscillating between the trains”
Striking mechanismOutside countwheel striking on top-mounted bell“outside countwheel striking on the top-mounted bell, lacking alarm work”
Case featuresEngraved galleried frets and side doors with open wings“the substantial frame with urn finials, tapered columns and ball feet, engraved galleried frets, iron hoop and spurs to the rear, the side doors with open 'wings'”
Alarm discCentral alarm disc“central alarm disc”
Movement configurationPosted movement with divided trains“the posted movement with divided trains”

Visible details

  • Front-facing view of a brass lantern clock resting on ball feet against a grey background.
  • A large bell surmounted by crossed straps and a tiered central finial tops the case.
  • Pierced engraved galleried fret sits directly above the chapter ring.
  • Flared open wings are attached to the side doors.

Research qualifications

  • The source catalogue notes the clock is lacking alarm work.
  • Internal movement details, verge escapement, outside countwheel, and rear iron hoop and spurs are recorded from the auction description and cannot be verified from the frontal photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

(#221) A brass lantern clock, John Wise, London, circa 1680

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 79c118a10e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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