Images(3)

Tall case clock

Date1690-1700

Probably by John Barton (fl. ca. 1700 - 1723)

Possibly by James Barton

OriginEngland, Lancashire, Ormskirk

MediumOak, glass; brass, iron and steel.

DimensionsOH: 82"; OW(hood): 25"; OD(hood): 14 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-995,A

DescriptionAppearance:
Case: broad, flat, multi-molded cornice atop square hood; front of hood composed of central, square glass panel bordered by band of half-round molding; glass flanked by three-quarter twisted and baluster-turned columns; front of hood is hinged on right column, opens to adjust dial; "1699" carved into fret above dial; sides of hood plain except for small door in left side; large, cove molding beneath hood, and a smaller, bead molding below; long, plain trunk with plain sides; long door in front surrounded by band of half-round molding with central, oval, bulls eye glass surrounded by half round molding; small, brass drop knob at center left; applied molding at base of trunk on front and sides above broader molding separating trunk from plain, square base which terminates in applied, plain base molding.

Dial:
8 ¾” square brass dial. Central portion engraved with tulips and foliage. Chapter ring with Roman numeral hours with interspersed engraved fleurs-de-lis and minute markings at outer edge with Arabic markings at five minute intervals. Initials "JB" just above VI in chapter ring. Lead spandrel ornaments at corners composed of winged cherubs with foliage.

Movement description:
Thirty hour brass time and strike lantern style weight-driven movement measuring 6” H x 5 7/16” W. Clock has an anchor-recoil escapement regulated by a seconds beat pendulum. A count wheel strike sounds the hours on a large 5.3” diameter cast bell. The strike hammer is inside the bell.

All time and strike train wheels have four-arm crossings. The movement has front, middle, and rear plates which are thin brass slats. They are fastened in position to upper and lower horizontal brass plates via steel wedges. The top plate is .105” - .120” thick. The bottom plate is .105” - .110” thick. Four corner pillars secure the horizontal plates. The movement assembly is free standing on rounded brass feet at the base of the pillars below the lower plate. Brass finials adorn the tops of the pillars above the top plate. The bell stand is composed of four iron supports which mount to each of the brass finials. An iron horizontal loop projects from the top center of the back of the top plate to facilitate wall hanging. A pair of wall standoff spikes protrude from the lower rear of the rear cast iron panel.

The overall length of the pendulum is 44 1/8”. The pendulum rod is steel. The bob is cast iron filled brass shell. It is 2.9” diameter and 0.8” thick at its center. The movement is powered by a single weight and a continuous cord with counterweights. The weight is cylindrical brass shell with a cast in metal hook on the bowed top cover. It is 2 3/8” diameter, 6.5” long, and weighs 10 pounds.
Label TextThe earliest English tall case clocks were produced in London during the mid-17th century after the introduction of the pendulum by Ahasuerus Fromanteel in 1658. London remained the center of British clockmaking influencing clock production in outlying areas. Provincial clocks often were simpler and had cases made with less expensive woods than their London counterparts.

The use of serviceable oak for this clock case is one indicator that it was made outside London. The early date of the clock, which could be 1699 as the piercing above the hood door suggests, is indicated by stylistic elements: the broad, overhanging cornice molding, the twist turned pillars flanking the hood door, and the oval glass in the trunk door. The square clock dial was also an early feature.
Markings"1699" carved into fret above dial; "JB" engraved on base of dial.

Exhibition(s)