Surmounted by the bell, with four straps, above engraved and pierced frets, between turned finials, the top plate with casting mark 'WE', 6 1/4in silvered chapter ring, enclosing a foliate engraved centre with signature Zac Mountfort at St Albans, single steel hand, on turned feet, with later anchor escapement and external countwheel strike, continuous rope, with a brass door panel to each side, steel back panel, two square shaped tapering wall pins and iron hoop
31cm high
Mountford was born circa 1662. He was firstly apprenticed to Francis Ireland till 1683, later transferred to William Spearman and freed in April 1684. He was a member of the Clockmaker's Company until 1704 and at this point probably moved to St Albans. He later moved to Gloucester Green in Oxfordshire.
See Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks & Their Makers, Asbourne, 2008, p. 484.
Condition report
One later brass cased weight and pendulum. The clock appears to have been ‘cleaned’ many years ago which has taken away patina. The steel work is well formed with some attractive flourishes. As mentioned the anchor escapement is a later replacement. Some square headed screws on the top plate may be replaced? The side doors are later.
