Lot Essay
The present clock numbered 42 is a fine example of one of Tompion's early timepieces whose large backplates filled out the the back of the case and were engraved by an unknown 'graver whose early work was some of the best to be found on Tompion's clocks.
The position of the punch numbers on the backplate provides another interesting feature. It seems that Tompion began by numbering his very earliest bracket clocks at the top left corner of the backplate in amongst the tulip engraving in the same manner as this example and then started to use a larger set of punches which he had positioned at the base of the backplate, which then became the norm. The present clock was probably on the bench having been numbered at the top left when Tompion decided to change the system.
The position of the punch numbers on the backplate provides another interesting feature. It seems that Tompion began by numbering his very earliest bracket clocks at the top left corner of the backplate in amongst the tulip engraving in the same manner as this example and then started to use a larger set of punches which he had positioned at the base of the backplate, which then became the norm. The present clock was probably on the bench having been numbered at the top left when Tompion decided to change the system.