Longcase Clock

Thomas Tompion

MOD10/6121/1 - Mahogany.

The MOD's horological collection is extremely important. It falls into two main parts:the maritime clocks and chronometers-many having specialised functions - and the longcase and bracket clocks in many offices, residencies and meeting rooms, several of which have been in roughly the same place for a nearly a hundred years and some for much longer.

Most of the specialised marine regulators, chronometers and clocks are on long term loan to the Royal Observartory at Greenwich and to various other public collections, where access to the general public and to the specialised researcher is easily achieved.

The non-maritime horological includes many masterpieces, including this Tompion regulator presented to Queen Anne during her appointment as Lord High Admiral in 1708. longcase regulator, with a 24 hour graduated chapter ring, and counter balance minute hand. Silvered dial with black hands and Roman numerals.

It has a moulded mahogany case with panelled plinth and arched trunk door, the hood with canted corners and brass ball finials with a presentation inscription: "Presented to Queen Anne".

Thomas Tompion (1639-1716), who worked in Fleet Street, was one of the greatest clock and watchmaker's whose attention to detail was legendary; to his work is due the supremacy of English horology in the 18th century.

Tompion's achievements include making the first clocks for the Greenwich Observatory in 1676.

Page not yet rated
This page has an average rating of 0/5

Please select your rating:
Add an optional comment:
To learn more, see help.

Longcase Clock

in this section:

Images