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Lot Essay
This un-numbered Tompion timepiece is by far the best preserved of just two recorded examples of this model. An eight day timepiece with a typical Phase I case, it is also fitted with an alarm mechanism. The repeating work incorporates the rarer system which employs two arms pivoted in the bottom corners of the movement but working in slots cut into sides of the plate nearer the top. Their sole use is to provide a circular motion to set up the repeat spring. It is not altogether clear why Tompion used this method -- of which about ten examples are known -- rather than the commoner and apparently simpler design which made use of a double-ended bar pivoted beneath a bridge or cock on the back plate. It may have been considered to have a smoother pulling action.
The only other eight day example recorded is No.15 in Tompion's numbered series (now in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge). Sadly that example lacks some of its repeating work. A third eight day example is known, No.255, but with different arrangement for the alarm and repeating mechanisms, the latter with pivoted bar instead of sliding arms. The alarm of No.255 was wound through the side, not through the dial as with the present clock and No.15. This third example was probably begun circa 1682-84 but not taken off the shelf for finishing until about 1695.
In addition, Tompion produced a month-going model, of which two examples are known, No.11 and No.85, along with No.92, which was also apprently finished at a later date.
The re-appearance of this clock settles doubts regarding its duration. It was described correctly as eight day when illustrated in Brittens's Old English Clocks -- The Wetherfield Collection in 1907. Later authors (Bruton and Evans, op. cit.) have wrongly described it as of one month duration.
The Hurcomb catalogue illustration for the clock was used by Messrs. Grimshaw, Baxter and J.J. Elliott in a post 1925 brochure to advertise a reproduction in a walnut case (see Shenton, op. cit.).
The drawer which opens below the dial of this clock is a most interesting and apparently unique feature; and quite possibly an original one too, as the construction of the bottom of the case is a departure from Tompion's usual practice.
We are grateful to Jeremy Evans for his assistance with this footnote.
The only other eight day example recorded is No.15 in Tompion's numbered series (now in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge). Sadly that example lacks some of its repeating work. A third eight day example is known, No.255, but with different arrangement for the alarm and repeating mechanisms, the latter with pivoted bar instead of sliding arms. The alarm of No.255 was wound through the side, not through the dial as with the present clock and No.15. This third example was probably begun circa 1682-84 but not taken off the shelf for finishing until about 1695.
In addition, Tompion produced a month-going model, of which two examples are known, No.11 and No.85, along with No.92, which was also apprently finished at a later date.
The re-appearance of this clock settles doubts regarding its duration. It was described correctly as eight day when illustrated in Brittens's Old English Clocks -- The Wetherfield Collection in 1907. Later authors (Bruton and Evans, op. cit.) have wrongly described it as of one month duration.
The Hurcomb catalogue illustration for the clock was used by Messrs. Grimshaw, Baxter and J.J. Elliott in a post 1925 brochure to advertise a reproduction in a walnut case (see Shenton, op. cit.).
The drawer which opens below the dial of this clock is a most interesting and apparently unique feature; and quite possibly an original one too, as the construction of the bottom of the case is a departure from Tompion's usual practice.
We are grateful to Jeremy Evans for his assistance with this footnote.