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1 of 253523 objects
Floor standing clock
Mahogany, brass, blued steel, silk, | 194.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 30069
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A 28-day English striking longcase clock wtih a silvered dial plate and mahogany case, the hood decorated with acroteria and topped by a gilt-bronze foliate finial, with openwork panels at the sides, lined with crimson silk and fluted quarter-columns flanking the case door.
The clock is presently installed in a much later short mahogany case and given a new square silvered dial and pierced blue steel hands. The movement is month going although in the short case this is not possible. As a long duration movement it has an extra gear next to the barrel drive wheel. This clock has a recoil escapement and a rack strike in the usual form.
Provenance
Thomas Tompion is the most famous of all English clockmakers. The son of a Bedfordshire blacksmith, Tompion established his business near Fleet Street in 1671. He was closely associated with the mathematician and scientist Robert Hook. The quality and design of Tompion’s clocks, watches and barometers made him one of the most celebrated horologists of his day. Tompion was the inventor of the recoil escapement for clocks and the cylinder escapement in watches. Over his lifetime his workshop produced about 650 clocks and 5000 numbered watches. Tompion is buried in the central aisle of Westminster Abbey. Other works by Thomas Tompion in the Royal Collection include three barometers and five longcase clocks.
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Creator(s)
(clockmaker)(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Mahogany, brass, blued steel, silk,
Measurements
194.5 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Longcase clock
