A Charles II brass lantern clock Nicholas Coxeter, London, circa 1665 The posted countwheel bell-striking movement with separately wound trains and later anchor escapement regulated by long pendulum swinging behind the frame at the rear, the dial with a central rose decorated vestigial alarm disc enveloped by stylised leafy tulip sprays issuing from a three-petal flowerhead positioned just above six o'clock and interrupted by the signature Nicholas Coxeter Neare Gold, Smiths Hall Londini fecit to upper margin, with iron hand within applied narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised wheatear half hour markers and engraved leafy infill to angles, the standard London third period frame with column turned corner posts beneath dolphin inhabited foliate pierced frets, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer, the sides with hinged brass doors and the rear with an iron backplate, hanging hoop and spurs, 38cm (15ins) high; with a copy of Britten, F.J. OLD CLOCKS & WATCHES AND THEIR MAKERS E. & F.N. Spon Limited, London, sixth edition 1932, bound in embossed red cloth, (2). Provenance: The property of a gentleman. Prior to 1935 in the collection of Mr. J.W. Browne; sold by Cromer Antique gallery to E. Britten Esq. of The Beacon House, Monken Hadley, Hertfordshire on 27th June 1935; subsequently acquired by the current owner. Literature: The current lot is illustrated in Britten, F.J. OLD CLOCKS & WATCHES AND THEIR MAKERS (sixth edition 1932) on page 525 (Figure 692). Nicholas Coxeter is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as born in 1625 and apprenticed to John Pennock (through Richard Masterson) from 1638-46 gaining his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in March 1646/7. He took on many apprentices including Thomas Wheeler who was freed in 1655/6. Coxeter was married to Priscilla Wells at St. Andrews, Holborn in 1648 and the couple had three children. He is initially recorded as being at Dolphin Court, off high Holborn and worked during his early period from 'near Gold Smiths Hall' before moving to Long Lane then Lothbury. In 1657 Nicholas Coxeter served as a Lieutenant in the Honourable Artillery Company and in 1659 he attended the House of Commons to have his commission as a Lieutenant in the London trained bands confirmed by Parliament alongside the renowned clockmaker William Clement. This was in the Yellow regiment of the Parliamentarian Army in which Coxeter later became a Captain. He died in November 1679 a resident of St. Margaret's Parish, Lothbury. The current lot is a textbook example of London third period practice using frame castings developed probably just prior to 1660 (see White, George English Lantern Clocks page 180 figures IV/37 - IV/39 and lot 153). By this time the design of the dial engraving had also become relatively standardised hence the 'tulip' decoration on the current lot can be closely compared with that seen on a clock by Benjamin Hill which was sold in these rooms on Tuesday 15th September 2015 (lot 155), as well as numerous other examples by the likes of Richard Ames and Thomas Wheeler made during the 1660's-70's. Condition Report: As catalogued the movement has an early conversion from verge escapement with balance regulation to anchor escapement with long pendulum, otherwise movement appears entirely original with the possible exception of the pinion of report driving the hour wheel. The movement is in working condition however is a little dirty and shows moderate pinion wear. The dial appears original and in good condition with brass surfaces exhibiting mellow patination matching the frame; the chapter ring shows signs of old silvering. The frame is also in good original condition with the exception of the rear right hand finial which has an old threaded repair. The backplate and side doors are replacements and there is no longer an alarm mechanism fitted. The hanging loop riveted to the top plate is also a replacement. The frets are original and retain some of their original securing screws, the bell and supporting frame also appear original and are in good condition. Clock is complete with pendulum and two weights. Condition Report Disclaimer