This addendum presents and discusses in detail three more images of medieval clockmakers attending to clocks, shown as Children of Mercury in astrological documents of the fifteenth century. One image is in an Italian manuscript, and the... more
This addendum presents and discusses in detail three more images of medieval clockmakers attending to clocks, shown as Children of Mercury in astrological documents of the fifteenth century. One image is in an Italian manuscript, and the other two are Hausbuch images from Germany. Thee images are compared with the three already described. Taken together they form a unique source of European horological images.
Three more images of children of Mercury are presented, showing medieval clockmakers attending to clocks. The images are in three fifteenth-century manuscripts containing astrological information; one is Italian from the middle of the... more
Three more images of children of Mercury are presented, showing medieval clockmakers attending to clocks. The images are in three fifteenth-century manuscripts containing astrological information; one is Italian from the middle of the century, the other two are from German Hausbuch sources from the middle and end of the century. The clockmakers, clocks and tools are analysed in detail and compared with the three children of Mercury images previously described. Taken together, these six images form a unique information source on medieval clockmakers and their clocks.
Three separate images of late medieval clockmakers attending to a wall-clock are presented and compared, and details of the clockmakers and the clocks are discussed. These images are from astrological works showing the 'children of... more
Three separate images of late medieval clockmakers attending to a wall-clock are presented and compared, and details of the clockmakers and the clocks are discussed. These images are from astrological works showing the 'children of Mercury' and were all created in the last quarter of the fifteenth century in Italy, the Netherlands, and England.
Describes in detail a rural German iron timepiece with a silent pull to strike the hours and quarters using a weight rather than the usual spring. There is also an alarm. It was made in the mid-18th century for use in a bedroom and needs... more
Describes in detail a rural German iron timepiece with a silent pull to strike the hours and quarters using a weight rather than the usual spring. There is also an alarm. It was made in the mid-18th century for use in a bedroom and needs winding both in the morning and in the evening. The iron dial has paintings of the Virgin and Chilkd and St John of Nepomuk.
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A recently discovered employment agreement of 1772 shows that the partnership between Osborne and Wilson that made the earliest painted dials in England needs radical revision to confirm the original business partners. Also the key... more
A recently discovered employment agreement of 1772 shows that the partnership between Osborne and Wilson that made the earliest painted dials in England needs radical revision to confirm the original business partners. Also the key involvement and influence of third parties in establishing a successful business needs to be recognised. As well as a proposal by Osborne & Wilson to japan gun barrels, James Wilson was involved with relatives in making tortoiseshell boxes, while a fire at his
Birmingham clock dial manufactory may have hastened his death.
Birmingham clock dial manufactory may have hastened his death.
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The unusual lantern clock, previously described in Antiquarian Horology, September 2010, with unique pillars that include a male figure wearing breeches, has been re-examined. He has now been identified as representing a Puritan image of... more
The unusual lantern clock, previously described in Antiquarian Horology, September 2010, with unique pillars that include a male figure wearing breeches,
has been re-examined. He has now been identified as representing a Puritan image of Adam. Comparisons are made with other depictions of Adam in a similar pose,
but this is the only known example of him wearing breeches, as mistranslated in the Breeches Bible. An apotropaic saltire cross was included to ward off
witches and prevent evil spirits from causing malfunction, while a Devil’s head was a reminder of his evil influence. Examples of other apotropaic marks on the ironwork of lantern clocks are also discussed, as are its possible date, origin and the wigglework on the dial.
has been re-examined. He has now been identified as representing a Puritan image of Adam. Comparisons are made with other depictions of Adam in a similar pose,
but this is the only known example of him wearing breeches, as mistranslated in the Breeches Bible. An apotropaic saltire cross was included to ward off
witches and prevent evil spirits from causing malfunction, while a Devil’s head was a reminder of his evil influence. Examples of other apotropaic marks on the ironwork of lantern clocks are also discussed, as are its possible date, origin and the wigglework on the dial.
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This article looks at the English movements that were imported into America in the 18th and 19th centuries for use in 8-day tallcase clocks. The significance of cast and stamped names on the plates is discussed. Imported movements made by... more
This article looks at the English movements that were imported into America in the 18th and 19th centuries for use in 8-day tallcase clocks. The significance of cast and stamped names on the plates is discussed. Imported movements made by Whitehurst of Derby, Roskell of Liverpool, Hawthorn of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and especially Harlow of Ashbourne are detailed and illustrated. The latter are not marked with the firm's name, but can be identified by their characteristic features, even when bearing the names of Birmingham wholesalers and factors.
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Most British mechanical clocks use a system known as 'warning' to let off the hourly strike. A few use an alternative method that does not involve warning. The first part considers British 8-day longcase clocks and tallcase clocks from... more
Most British mechanical clocks use a system known as 'warning' to let off the hourly strike. A few use an alternative method that does not involve warning. The first part considers British 8-day longcase clocks and tallcase clocks from Pennsylvania that use a warnless system of rack striking. The second part looks at English 30-hour clocks that use a warnless (and almost warnless) pinned countwheel method.
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This is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe. The complete Old French text of the Treatise (c. 1380) is translated into English, and the difficult and obscure text is explained with a detailed commentary and... more
This is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe. The complete Old French text of the Treatise (c. 1380) is translated into English, and the difficult and obscure text is explained with a detailed commentary and illustrated reconstructions proposed for some of the various mechanisms
English terminology used for clocks and clock parts has developed and changed over many centuries. Regional and dialect differences and individual preferences are also evident, as well as some terminological confusion. Many terms have... more
English terminology used for clocks and clock parts has developed and changed over many centuries. Regional and dialect differences and individual preferences are also evident, as well as some terminological confusion. Many terms have become obsolete and are no longer used, and the meaning of some old terms is now uncertain or quite obscure. Using a wide range of printed sources we have compiled the following vocabulary of old terms relating to turret clocks and domestic clocks. It must be stressed that no attempt has been made to cover terminology relating to astronomical clocks, regulators, chronometers or watches.
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The going train, escapement, balance, bell frame and dial complete the rebuilding of a German Gothic clock.
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This article describes the rescue of a late German iron Gothic clock, converting an altered movement into a working mechanism, while retaining as much as possible of the original. The first part deals with the frame, the striking train... more
This article describes the rescue of a late German iron Gothic clock, converting an altered movement into a working mechanism, while retaining as much as possible of the original. The first part deals with the frame, the striking train and the strike-work.
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The second part of this article looks at the observation that the lantern clock appeared fully formed with no surviving prototypes. Possible transitional clocks are considered, but none can be regarded as a precursor to the English... more
The second part of this article looks at the observation that the lantern clock
appeared fully formed with no surviving prototypes. Possible transitional clocks
are considered, but none can be regarded as a precursor to the English lantern
clock. Continental clocks that influenced the design of the lantern clocks are also
considered and some of the factors that led to the design of this specifically English clock are discussed. It is suggested that a major factor was the ease of working brass castings compared to the skills needed to forge iron wheels and frames.
appeared fully formed with no surviving prototypes. Possible transitional clocks
are considered, but none can be regarded as a precursor to the English lantern
clock. Continental clocks that influenced the design of the lantern clocks are also
considered and some of the factors that led to the design of this specifically English clock are discussed. It is suggested that a major factor was the ease of working brass castings compared to the skills needed to forge iron wheels and frames.
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English lantern clocks are often said to be a development of the iron Gothic clock, made on the Continent from the fifteenth century, and while this has been refuted on stylistic (but not technical) grounds, it is still popularly... more
English lantern clocks are often said to be a development of the iron Gothic clock, made on the Continent from the fifteenth century, and while this has been refuted on stylistic (but not technical) grounds, it is still popularly believed. This article discusses the two main types of Gothic clocks: Germanic and French/Flemish, noting their similarities and differences, and compares them with the earliest lantern clocks. Apart from the basic concept of a posted-frame weight-driven wall clock with end-to-end trains, it is shown that there are very few similarities between lantern clocks and Gothic clocks. They differ not only in style but in their materials, construction and many technical details.
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A large iron clock is described that has an unusual side pendulum, a verge escapement with long curved pallets and nag's head striking. It was probably made in France or possibly Caralonia.
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This paper describes the earliest form of striking used in clocks from the earliest times. In Britain it is virtually unknown in domestic clocks, where warned striking was normal. It was widely used on the continent, especially Germany... more
This paper describes the earliest form of striking used in clocks from the earliest times. In Britain it is virtually unknown in domestic clocks, where warned striking was normal. It was widely used on the continent, especially Germany where it continued until the 19th century.
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This article describes a treatise on clockmaking compiled by an unknown clockmaker in about 1380. It is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe, and accordingly is of great importance for the history and development of... more
This article describes a treatise on clockmaking compiled by an unknown clockmaker in about 1380. It is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe, and accordingly is of great importance for the history and development of horology. A transcript of the original Old French manuscript is reproduced, a literal translation of the complete text in English is here presented for the first time, and the difficult and often obscure text is explained in a detailed commentary, together with the illustrated reconstructions proposed for some of the various mechanisms. From this old treatise we may infer that the second half of the fourteenth century was a period of intense activity and experimentation in clockmaking in France, that several alternative designs of clock mechanisms had already been developed and were known among clockmakers, and that a relatively large number of artisans were engaged in the new craft of clockmaking.
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Illustrated technical survey of a miniature brass lantern clock. It has a typical Italian striking system, sounding double 1-6 hours with each hour repeated a few minutes later (ribotta).
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A very unusual dial from a Scottish clock, probably added to a lantern clock to convert it into a longcase clock, has manually adjustable indicators that show the dominical letters and epacts. The use of these to determine the date of... more
A very unusual dial from a Scottish clock, probably added to a lantern clock to convert it into a longcase clock, has manually adjustable indicators that show the dominical letters and epacts. The use of these to determine the date of Easter is explained, and biographical details of the clockmaker and the dial’s first owner are given.
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This article considers a Flemish-style Gothic clock, dated 1567, which is probably the earliest surviving domestic clock made in England. Details of the movement and its modifications, especially to the striking work, are described. The... more
This article considers a Flemish-style Gothic clock, dated 1567, which is probably the earliest surviving domestic clock made in England. Details of the movement and its modifications, especially to the striking work, are described. The names of the clock’s first owner and its maker are stamped on the dial in a very unusual
manner and the type of punches that were used is discussed. The clock was made by James Porrvis, who has not yet been identified but was probably an immigrant
clockmaker from Flanders, for John Webbe, a wealthy Catholic cloth merchant of Odstock Manor near Salisbury.
manner and the type of punches that were used is discussed. The clock was made by James Porrvis, who has not yet been identified but was probably an immigrant
clockmaker from Flanders, for John Webbe, a wealthy Catholic cloth merchant of Odstock Manor near Salisbury.
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Illustrations and technical description of a typical South German, Tirolean or Swiss rural domestic weight-driven clock dated 1748.
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Illustrations and technical description of the case, dial and ,movement of a short duration German timepiece made in Augsburg by Elias Weckerlin about 1690.
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Casting marks are sometimes found on brass clock components, the most frequently found examples probably being identified with the Mayor foundry in Little Moorfields. John Mayor was casting clock parts in the late seventeenth century and... more
Casting marks are sometimes found on brass clock components, the most frequently found examples probably
being identified with the Mayor foundry in Little Moorfields. John Mayor was casting clock parts in the
late seventeenth century and his descendants continued the trade for over a century. As well as discussing
this and other founders, the ‘matchstick man’ casting mark found on London lantern clocks from the
1640s is also considered. For the background to the Moorfields area of London, where most of the people
mentioned here worked, readers should refer to Part 1 of this article.
being identified with the Mayor foundry in Little Moorfields. John Mayor was casting clock parts in the
late seventeenth century and his descendants continued the trade for over a century. As well as discussing
this and other founders, the ‘matchstick man’ casting mark found on London lantern clocks from the
1640s is also considered. For the background to the Moorfields area of London, where most of the people
mentioned here worked, readers should refer to Part 1 of this article.
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This article outlines the development of the Moorfields area of London, just north of the ancient City walls. After the Great Fire in 1666 it grew from an area of open land into a hive of industry including a wide range of workers in the... more
This article outlines the development of the Moorfields area of London, just north of the ancient City walls.
After the Great Fire in 1666 it grew from an area of open land into a hive of industry including a wide
range of workers in the horological trades. The area was particularly noted for brass founders (considered
in detail in Part 2) and one of the principal engravers of clock dials in the eighteenth century worked
here. A list is included of all those known to have worked in the watch and clock trades in Moorfields.
After the Great Fire in 1666 it grew from an area of open land into a hive of industry including a wide
range of workers in the horological trades. The area was particularly noted for brass founders (considered
in detail in Part 2) and one of the principal engravers of clock dials in the eighteenth century worked
here. A list is included of all those known to have worked in the watch and clock trades in Moorfields.
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A large weight-driven iron chamber clock is discussed. It originally had trains of only two-wheels. Changes to the balance escapement and motion-work have resulted in the dial being repainted to read counterclockwise. Analysis of the... more
A large weight-driven iron chamber clock is discussed. It originally had trains of only two-wheels. Changes to the balance escapement and motion-work have resulted in the dial being repainted to read counterclockwise. Analysis of the paint indicates a date prior to 1650 and a name on the frame suggests a Polish origin. [This clock is now thought to be French.]
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A series of seven lantern clocks is discussed that have the corner posts, top and bottom plates and movement bars all made of iron, but with cruciform front and rear bars and brass wheels typical of English work. One clock retains its... more
A series of seven lantern clocks is discussed that have the corner posts, top and bottom plates and movement bars all made of iron, but with cruciform front and rear bars and brass wheels typical of English work. One clock retains its original painted iron dial and original iron balance, two have been redialed, while the others have English brass dials. The only one that is signed (by an unknown maker) is smaller than any other known lantern clock. These clocks appear to have been made in England (five of them probably in the same workshop) at various periods throughout the seventeenth century. Apart from the miniature one, they were probably all made in London. They may have been produced as more affordable versions of the all-brass lantern clock.
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This article discusses an unsigned lantern clock that is unlike any other recorded to date. The much altered movement appears to be English and possibly from a very early period. The escapement has been updated from a balance wheel via a... more
This article discusses an unsigned lantern clock that is unlike any other recorded to date. The much altered
movement appears to be English and possibly from a very early period. The escapement has been updated
from a balance wheel via a verge pendulum to anchor and long pendulum. Also the going duration has
been increased. The most obvious difference from a conventional clock are corner posts comprising a naïve
cast-brass male figure instead of the usual turned pillars with finials. No similar figure has been found
in any other context, but it is felt that the discovery of something comparable will eventually reveal more
about the clock’s date and origins.
movement appears to be English and possibly from a very early period. The escapement has been updated
from a balance wheel via a verge pendulum to anchor and long pendulum. Also the going duration has
been increased. The most obvious difference from a conventional clock are corner posts comprising a naïve
cast-brass male figure instead of the usual turned pillars with finials. No similar figure has been found
in any other context, but it is felt that the discovery of something comparable will eventually reveal more
about the clock’s date and origins.
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Very few notebooks survive by 18th and earlier clockmakers and watchmakers. Two notebooks compiled by Humphrey Hadley of Birmingham in 1690-1746 are rare exceptions. They are compared with the few other known examples. Special... more
Very few notebooks survive by 18th and earlier clockmakers and watchmakers. Two notebooks compiled by Humphrey Hadley of Birmingham in 1690-1746 are rare exceptions. They are compared with the few other known examples. Special consideration is given to three designs for simple repeating watches, with facsimiles of the relevant pages, explanatory diagrams and descriptions.
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This second part records the known details of other important Birmingham makers of painted clock dials. These include: Thomas Ashwin (who was murdered during the 1791 Birmingham Riots), his successor Francis Byrne, the Nicholas family who... more
This second part records the known details of other important Birmingham makers of painted clock dials. These include: Thomas Ashwin (who was murdered during the 1791 Birmingham Riots), his successor Francis Byrne, the Nicholas family who factored dials made by others, Walker & Hughes, Walker & Finnemore and William Finnemore.
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This paper is based on a lecture given at the Antiquarian Horological Society's 2008 Conference held at Liverpool University. It illustrates and discusses the wide range of dial and case styles and the differing types of clock movements... more
This paper is based on a lecture given at the Antiquarian Horological Society's 2008 Conference held at Liverpool University. It illustrates and discusses the wide range of dial and case styles and the differing types of clock movements used. They often show a wider variation than the rather standardised clocks from southern England. The decoration is usually more elaborate and interesting, and often of equal or higher quality than the plainer styles from London.
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This article illustrates and discusses Eardley Norton's patent for two clocks that strike the hours and one that also strikes the quarters, all using only one train of gear wheels. There are also designs for three repeating watches. The... more
This article illustrates and discusses Eardley Norton's patent for two clocks that strike the hours and one that also strikes the quarters, all using only one train of gear wheels. There are also designs for three repeating watches. The operation of some of these mechanisms is sometimes obscure, they are very complex and not practical and no examples are known to exist.
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This article looks at the evidence for the attribution of the invention of rack striking in clocks by the Rev Edward Barlow, about 1670. This is a misinterpretation of William Derham's Artificial Clockmaker. Barlow actually invented a... more
This article looks at the evidence for the attribution of the invention of rack striking in clocks by the Rev Edward Barlow, about 1670. This is a misinterpretation of William Derham's Artificial Clockmaker. Barlow actually invented a form of repeating and the earliest known clocks with rack striking were made by Thomas Tompion, probably at the suggestion of Robert Hooke. Several examples of early repeating clocks and rack-striking clocks are illustrated and described.
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This article discusses clocks where the striking is controlled by a countwheel with pins or projections, rather than the more usual slots or notches. The earliest known use of this simplified system in Britain is in Devon, but it was... more
This article discusses clocks where the striking is controlled by a countwheel with pins or projections, rather than the more usual slots or notches. The earliest known use of this simplified system in Britain is in Devon, but it was popularised by John Whitehurst of Derby and widely used in the East Midlands and further north in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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This is one of the most important surviving notebook by a British clock or watchmaker. It is compared with the other surviving notebooks and three very unusual designs of repeating watch are discussed. No other watches based on these... more
This is one of the most important surviving notebook by a British clock or watchmaker. It is compared with the other surviving notebooks and three very unusual designs of repeating watch are discussed. No other watches based on these principles are know.
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This article is based on a lecture given at the Conference of the Antiquarian Horological Society at Liverpool University in 2008. It discusses and illustrates a wide rane of clocks from the region which are often more varied and... more
This article is based on a lecture given at the Conference of the Antiquarian Horological Society at Liverpool University in 2008. It discusses and illustrates a wide rane of clocks from the region which are often more varied and interesting, both technically and stylistically than those from the south of England. It considers dials, cases and movements and nies their special features and characteristics.
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This article discusses a simplified type of striking mechanism used on English longcase clocks in the 18th and 19th centuries that have projections or pins instead ot notches in the countwheel used to regulate the number of strikes every... more
This article discusses a simplified type of striking mechanism used on English longcase clocks in the 18th and 19th centuries that have projections or pins instead ot notches in the countwheel used to regulate the number of strikes every hour. Although devised in Devon it was used mainly in the North and Easst Midlands, particulary by Whitehurst of Derby and Deacon of Barton, Leicestershire.
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The second part of this article considers some of the more important makers of painted clock dials in Birmingham: Thomas Ashwin (who was murdered during the Birmingham Riots of 1791), Francis Byrne, Walker & Hughes, Walker & Finnemore,... more
The second part of this article considers some of the more important makers of painted clock dials in Birmingham: Thomas Ashwin (who was murdered during the Birmingham Riots of 1791), Francis Byrne, Walker & Hughes, Walker & Finnemore, William Finnemore and the Nicholas faimily, who were clockmakers factoring dials under their own name, but.made by others
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This article discusses the origins of the English painted clock dial that replaced the traditional brass dials after 1772. The development of the industry in Birmingham in the 18th and 19th centuries is described, the first part... more
This article discusses the origins of the English painted clock dial that replaced the traditional brass dials after 1772. The development of the industry in Birmingham in the 18th and 19th centuries is described, the first part considering the earliest makers of these clock dial, Thomas Osborne and James Wilson, who initially worked in partnership and then separately. They made the highest quality painted dials for longcase clocks.
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The earliest method of striking used on clocks is described, including various methods of providing over lift, with various examples illustrated.
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The large posted=frame iron clock described has a very unusual verge escapement with the pendulum at the side. The pallets are very long and curved. There is nag's head striking, week duration and wooden rope barrels. It was probably made... more
The large posted=frame iron clock described has a very unusual verge escapement with the pendulum at the side. The pallets are very long and curved. There is nag's head striking, week duration and wooden rope barrels. It was probably made in France, or possibly Catalonia, in the early eighteenth century.
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Illustrations and technical description of a wall clock from South Germany, Switzerland or the Tyrol with a painted dial. The minute hand is shorter than the hour hand and the pendulum bob is in the form of a Herald Angel.
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Illustrations and technical description of an unsigned miniature Italian lantern clock made about 1750-75. The double-six striking also repeats a few minutes after the hour (ribotta).
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Illustrations and technical description of a timepiece by Elias Weckerlin, mad in Augsburg about 1680, in a giltwood case.
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A large weight-driven iron chamber clock is discussed. It originally had trains of only two-wheels. Changes to the balance escapement and motion-work have resulted in the dial being repainted to read counterclockwise. Analysis of the... more
A large weight-driven iron chamber clock is discussed. It originally had trains of only two-wheels. Changes to the balance escapement and motion-work have resulted in the dial being repainted to read counterclockwise. Analysis of the paint indicates a date prior to 1650 and a name on the frame suggests a Polish origin. [Recent research suggests that it was made in France about 1580.]
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This article looks at various forms of repeating work and rack striking in clocks and concludes that the commonly held view that rack striking was invented by Edward Barlow about 1675 is incorrect. Barlow invented a form of repeating, not... more
This article looks at various forms of repeating work and rack striking in clocks and concludes that the commonly held view that rack striking was invented by Edward Barlow about 1675 is incorrect. Barlow invented a form of repeating, not striking, using a snail. There is no evidence that he invented the rack for striking, the earliest example of which was made by Thomas Tompion in London, possibly based on suggestions by Robert Hooke.
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This article reproduces the drawings that accompany Eardley Norton's patent for striking and chiming clocks and several different schemes for repeating watches with interpretations and descriptions and operation of their mechanisms.
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This article considers a Flemish-style Gothic clock, dated 1567, which is probably the earliest surviving domestic clock made in England. Details of the movement and its modifications, especially to the striking work, are described. The... more
This article considers a Flemish-style Gothic clock, dated 1567, which is probably the earliest surviving domestic clock made in England. Details of the movement and its modifications, especially to the striking work, are described. The names of the clock’s first owner and its maker are stamped on the dial in a very unusual manner and the type of punches that were used is discussed. The clock was made by James Porrvis, who has not yet been identified but was probably an immigrant clockmaker from Flanders, for John Webbe, a wealthy Catholic cloth merchant of Odstock Manor near Salisbury.
Research Interests:
A very unusual dial from a Scottish clock, probably added to a lantern clock to convert it into a longcase clock, has manually adjustable indicators that show the dominical letters and epacts. The use of these to determine the date of... more
A very unusual dial from a Scottish clock, probably added to a lantern clock to convert it
into a longcase clock, has manually adjustable indicators that show the dominical letters
and epacts. The use of these to determine the date of Easter is explained, and biographical
details of the clockmaker and the dial’s first owner are given.
into a longcase clock, has manually adjustable indicators that show the dominical letters
and epacts. The use of these to determine the date of Easter is explained, and biographical
details of the clockmaker and the dial’s first owner are given.
Research Interests:
This article describes a treatise on clockmaking compiled by an unknown clockmaker in about 1380. It is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe, and accordingly is of great importance for the history and development of... more
This article describes a treatise on clockmaking compiled by an unknown clockmaker in about 1380. It is the earliest known practical clockmaking manual in Europe, and accordingly is of great importance for the history and development of horology. A transcript of the original Old French manuscript is reproduced, a literal translation of the complete text in English is here presented for the first time, and the difficult and often obscure text is explained in a detailed commentary, together with the illustrated reconstructions proposed for some of the various mechanisms. From this old treatise we may infer that the second half of the fourteenth century was a period of intense activity and experimentation in clockmaking in France, that several alternative designs of clock mechanisms had already been developed and were known among clockmakers, and that a relatively large number of artisans were engaged in the new craft of clockmaking.