Lantern clock by Walter Archer, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, c. 1730

Dealer description — Howard Walwyn

A good early George II period brass hook-and-spike lantern clock by this well-known Cotswold Quaker clock maker. The well-proportioned case retains its traditional structure, with turned finials, knopped pillars, and integral ball feet. The fretwork to the front and sides is boldly pierced with heraldic devices, centring a lion rampant and unicorn, recalling the Royal Arms. Above is a domed bell surmounted by a central finial. The iron backplate is mounted with original spikes for hook-and-spike wall hanging. The dial is finely engraved with flowers and foliage in both the centre and to the corners outside of the chapter ring. It has Roman hour numerals, a fine inner minute track and fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. The maker’s name, Walter Archer is signed to the chapter ring, on either side of VI. The iron hand appears to be original. The weight-driven movement has a verge escapement regulated by a long lenticular pendulum suspended to the rear. The hour strike is governed by an external hammer and locking-plate system, sounding on the domed bell above. Height : 13 ½ in (34.3 cm) excl. finial Width : 6 ½ in (16.5 cm) Depth : 7 ½ in (19 cm) inc. spikes *Walter Archer is recorded as having worked in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, from roughly the 1710s to the early 1740s. He is best known for thirty-hour hook-and-spike brass dial wall clocks, often using tic-tac escapements and distinctive cranked spurs. He is listed on page 20 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21 st Century Edition. HW6224