Clock · Lantern clock
This lantern clock, documented by Sotheby's as by John Smorthwait of Colchester circa 1730, measures 37 cm (14½ inches) in height. The brass construction features slender turned corner columns, turned feet, urn finials, and pierced dolphin frets below an arched bell strap holding a top-mounted bell. The 6½-inch dial has a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and lozenge half-hour marks around an engraved foliate centre, fitted with a single replaced hand. Sotheby's reports a reverse signature on the dial plate and describes a posted rope- and weight-driven movement equipped with an anchor escapement, an outside countwheel, and rear iron hanging loop with wall spikes.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
Sotheby's catalogues this lantern clock as the work of John Smorthwait, Colchester, dating it to circa 1730. The piece is recorded with an overall height of 37 cm (14½ inches).
The cataloguing notes that the reverse of the dial bears a repeat signature, described as 'probably for practise'.
The frame is described in the source as having slender turned corner columns, turned feet, urn finials, and dolphin frets. Frontal observation confirms the turned brass columns on turned feet, finials, and pierced fretwork beneath a top-mounted bell supported by arched straps.
The rear of the clock is recorded as having an iron hanging loop and wall spikes, though these mounting elements are not visible in the front photograph.
The cataloguing specifies a 6½-inch dial featuring lozenge half-hour marks, an engraved foliate centre, and a single hand noted as replaced. Visual inspection shows a circular silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and lozenge divisions extending beyond the pillar frame, surrounding the engraved gilt-brass centre with a pierced black hand.
Internally, Sotheby's records a posted rope- and weight-driven movement equipped with an anchor escapement, an outside countwheel, and a top-mounted bell. These internal mechanical components cannot be verified directly from the exterior frontal photograph.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Maker and origin | John Smorthwait, Colchester, circa 1730 | “John Smorthwait, Colchester, circa 1730” |
| Dimensions | 37 cm (14½ in.) high | “37cm. 14½in. high” |
| Dial features | 6½-inch dial with lozenge half-hour marks, replaced single hand, and foliate engraved centre | “6½-inch dial with lozenge half-hour marks, single hand (replaced) and foliate engraved centre” |
| Movement description | Posted rope- and weight-driven movement with anchor escapement and outside countwheel | “the posted rope and weight driven movement with anchor escapement and outside countwheel with top mounted bell” |
| Frame and mounting | Turned corner columns, turned feet, urn finials, dolphin frets, iron hanging loop and wall spikes | “the frame with slender turned corner columns, turned feet, urn finials and dolphin frets, the rear with iron hanging loop and wall spikes” |
| Dial reverse signature | Repeat signature, probably for practice, noted on the reverse | “the reverse with repeat signature, probably for practise” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 198bdac55c
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
