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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lantern clock

Ahasuerus Fromanteel Brass Lantern Clock, circa 1650

Partially verified

This brass lantern clock dates to circa 1650 and is catalogued as made by Ahasuerus Fromanteel of London. The dial plate measures 5¾ inches across its chapter ring and is engraved with tulip motifs, signed within a drapery cartouche 'A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit'. The clock features a central alarm disc and is constructed as a conventional posted frame surmounted by a top bell, pierced strap and shield frets, and turned finials, resting on turned ball feet. The auctioneer notes a verge escapement with top-mounted balance and a replaced alarm train.

Front view of the brass lantern clock showing the engraved dial, pierced fret, and bell assembly
Front view of the brass lantern clock showing the engraved dial, pierced fret, and bell assembly — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Lantern clock
Maker / attribution
Ahasuerus Fromanteel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
134
Source-reported date
circa 1650
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

Dial and Inscription

The brass lantern clock features a 5¾-inch chapter ring enclosing a dial plate engraved with tulips. The maker's inscription is located within an engraved drapery cartouche signed 'A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit'. Visible front photography shows the dial centered by an engraved alarm disc and indicated by a single iron hand.

Mounted directly above the dial plate is a pierced fret. Visual observation shows the fret is engraved with dolphins and scrollwork flanking a central blank shield.

Evidence for this section
  • “5¾-inch chapter ring, the dial plate engraved with tulips and signed in a drapery cartouche A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit”
  • “central alarm disc”
  • “the front fret engraved”
  • “Pierced and engraved front fret with a central blank shield flanked by dolphins and scrollwork”
  • “Single iron hand positioned over an engraved tulip-pattern dial center and numbered alarm disc”

Frame and Architecture

The clock is constructed with a posted frame standing 39 cm (15½ in.) in height. The brass structure is supported on ball feet and surmounted by boldly-cast finials.

Above the frame, a top-mounted bell is supported under arched straps and capped with a central finial. The cataloguing records that the rear of the clock is fitted with a hoop and spurs for hanging.

Evidence for this section
  • “39cm. 15½in. high”
  • “the posted frame with boldly-cast finials, strap and shield fret”
  • “the rear with hoop and spurs, on ball feet”
  • “Surmounted by a top-mounted hemispherical bell under arched straps and a central turned finial”

Movement and Alterations

The movement is catalogued as a conventional posted movement regulated by a verge escapement with a top-mounted balance. Striking is controlled by an outside locking plate sounding on the overhead bell.

The auctioneer explicitly notes that the clock possesses a replaced alarm train. Further internal mechanical views, side plates, and the date or origin of the alarm train replacement are not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “the conventional posted movement with verge escapement and top-mounted balance”
  • “outside locking plate striking on the top-mounted bell”
  • “replaced alarm train”

Open research questions

  • What components of the alarm mechanism were replaced, and when was the replacement train installed?
  • Is the verge escapement with top-mounted balance an original seventeenth-century construction or a later restoration from a pendulum conversion?
  • Are the side doors and frets contemporary seventeenth-century brass castings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ahasuerus Fromanteel Brass Lantern Clock, circa 1650
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker's signatureA Fromanteel, Londini Fecit“signed in a drapery cartouche A Fromanteel, Londini Fecit”
Chapter ring size5¾-inch“5¾-inch chapter ring”
Height39cm. 15½in.“39cm. 15½in. high”
EscapementVerge escapement with top-mounted balance“conventional posted movement with verge escapement and top-mounted balance”
AlterationsReplaced alarm train“replaced alarm train”
Striking mechanismOutside locking plate striking on top-mounted bell“outside locking plate striking on the top-mounted bell”
Mounting fittingsHoop and spurs at rear“the rear with hoop and spurs”
FeetBall feet“on ball feet”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved front fret with a central blank shield flanked by dolphins and scrollwork
  • Single iron hand positioned over an engraved tulip-pattern dial center and numbered alarm disc
  • Surmounted by a top-mounted hemispherical bell under arched straps and a central turned finial

Research qualifications

  • Movement side and rear views are not shown in the image
  • Source notes the alarm train is replaced

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: A BRASS LANTERN CLOCK, AHASUERUS FROMANTEEL, LONDON, CIRCA 1650 |

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 23230c1a28

Terms in this record

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

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