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Lot Essay
Longcase clocks with 1¼ seconds pendulums are particularly rare. The first longcase clocks used verge escapements, making a long pendulum impractical. However, it was appreciated that a longer pendulum would produce more accurate timekeeping. For a short period after the invention of the anchor (approximately 1669/70) there was a certain amount of experimentation with the length of pendulums for this new escapement. The 1¼ seconds pendulum (also known as the Royal pendulum), with its slower swing and smaller arc, reduces timekeeping error; however, it can rock the case, causing the movement to stop. See also lot 48.
Edward East (1602-1697) was one of the greatest clockmakers of the 17th Century. In 1618 he was apprenticed in Goldsmiths' Company to Rogers of London and Free of the Company in 1627. He worked in Pall Mall in the 1620s, at 'The musical Clock, Fleet Street' in the 1640s and then later at 'The Sun, outside Temple Bar'. He was watch and chief clockmaker to Charles II from 1660 and was one of the founder members of the Clockmakers' Company in 1631.
Edward East (1602-1697) was one of the greatest clockmakers of the 17th Century. In 1618 he was apprenticed in Goldsmiths' Company to Rogers of London and Free of the Company in 1627. He worked in Pall Mall in the 1620s, at 'The musical Clock, Fleet Street' in the 1640s and then later at 'The Sun, outside Temple Bar'. He was watch and chief clockmaker to Charles II from 1660 and was one of the founder members of the Clockmakers' Company in 1631.