A GEORGE III BRASS LANTERN CLOCK MADE FOR THE MIDDLE-EASTERN MARKET Jonathan Parks, London, circa 1775 The countwheel striking two-handed movement incorporating Huygens's endless winding and verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum swinging behind the frame at the rear, the 8 inch brass break-arch dial with matted centre within applied 'Turkish' numeral chapter ring incorporating five minute numeral to outer track, with pierced blued steel hands and crescent-centred foliate scroll cast spandrels to angles, beneath arch centred with circular boss signed Jn'o. Parks, London flanked by conforming mounts, the frame with column-turned corner posts, vase turned finials and domed bell bearer, and the rear with iron hanging hoop, on ball-turned feet, (lacking side doors, frets and back panel). 38cm (15ins) high, 20cm (8ins) wide, 19cm (7.5ins) deep overall. A Jonathan Parkes is recorded in Britten, F.J. BRITTEN'S Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers as working from 'Old Change' London. A closely related clock also signed for Jonathan Parks was offered by Skinner, Boston at their sale of European Furniture and Decorative Arts, 7th October 2006, Lot 645. Condition Report: Movement has survived in original condition with no visible alteration however the escapewheel is most likely a 'service' replacement. The mechanism is reasonably clean and in working order but a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The dial has evidence of being drilled for a differing chapter ring and spandrels (three spare chapter ring feet holes and elongated spandrel holes) however there is no evidence to suggest the spare chapter ring feet holes were used (no witness marks from pinning) hence most likely left over from a re-think during manufacture (quality control for clocks destined for export to the middle-East was generally not as strict as those for Europe!). Dial otherwise is in good albeit tarnished condition although the lower right hand corner has been pushed-back a little. The hands appear original. The front left hand finial is a repaired replacement otherwise frame is in good condition. There are no side frets, doors, back panel or spurs present. The clock has a pendulum but no weight (rope line and pulley is present). Condition Report Disclaimer