Overton Clocks of Chesterfield

Description

An Important Charles I Period Early Longcase Clock with ebonised pearwood original case and a Verge converted balance wheel lantern clock movement c1650.
This clock is a very early example of the pioneering efforts made by the English clockmakers in the very beginnings of the golden era. The substantial lantern clock style movement was originally a balance wheel movement with separate countwheel striking train. As is often the case, because of very poor time keeping characteristics and the invention of the pendulum by Christian Huygens in 1656 these very early English clock were converted to a verge (crownwheel) escapement and very short pendulum bob to try and improve the time keeping. This clock appears to have been converted around c1670. It is certainly at this time that the original ebonised case was made to fit the movement.
The ebonised case made around c1670 is of very slim proportions and was designed around the short 6” pendulum fitted at this time. The original baseboard only has one hole for the weight and the usual pendulum slot is clearly not there as would be seen in later long pendulum clocks. The case still retains its original hinges and rotating handle appears correct also. As would be expected with these very early clocks, the hood is solid without a front door and the hood has to be removed to alter the time. Although not obvious, the hood could have been a “lift up” type and holes are present in the backboard that would have been for the lifting latch etc.
The period 2 dial with exquisite engraved Tulips and possible thistle/roses is very comparable to a clock by Andrew Prime (61) displayed in the Bonhams Collaboration and innovation exhibition having central stemmed flower emanating from the base along with symmetrical tulips and foliage The 9.75” cast brass dial finished with a wide chapter ring and winged cherub spandrels.
The 12 hour movement has been very carefully conserved and overhauled, because of its importance and amazing untouched condition when acquired I have carefully cleaned all remnants of dirt, grime and general large layers of dust that had accumulated over a substantial period of time while this clock was hidden away and I have left the amazing “bronze” patina colour to all the cast brass parts, all steel parts have been carefully cleaned to remove any surface rusting and the pivots have been polished to enable correct operation. The clock now runs beautifully as it should but looks the nearly 400 years old it actually is! There are holes in the topplate for the original fretwork panels that would almost certainly displayed the makers name, however these have been lost in time and the clockmaker is unknown. Some comparisons can be made with the contemporary makers of this time though.
These very early clocks are incredibly rare and with an original “long” case they are even so.. This clock is (or must be) one of the earliest longcase clocks in existence and although not named on the dial was certainly made by one of the best pioneering makers of this period. The case has not been “repaired” or “re-ebonised” and is in a most wonderful original condition and this along with the untouched movement makes this a must have for any discerning collector.

With over twenty years experience in restoring and conserving clocks and working on some of the finest and complicated clocks for a select group of the best antique clock dealers in the country.
As well as this, Overton Clocks has now decided to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase fine antique clocks that have been personally selected for their unique or special features. Each clock has been expertly restored to the highest of standards by myself. Overton clocks ensures peace of mind in your investment, by personally offering three years warranty on all of our timepieces.
I am a master clockmaker, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and a member of the British watch and clockmakers guild. Overton Clocks is a traditional clock shop based in the heart of Chesterfield on two floors hosting a showroom and in-house fully equipped workshop.
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