Beschreibung:

A LATE 17TH CENTURY WALNUT AND FLORAL MARQUETRY LONGCASE CLOCK SIGNED THOMAS BARRETT OF LEWES the floral inlaid caddy top over the blind fret carving and three quarter doric columns with gilt capitals, with convex throat moulding over the trunk door with lenticle and panels of bird and flower marquetry, on a plinth base and four bun feet, the 12 inch square brass dial with wheat-ear engraved border and gilt putto mask and scroll spandrels, the silvered Roman chapter ring signed 'Tho Barett of Lewis', the gilt matted centre with engraved and chamfered date aperture and ringed winding holes, with silvered subsidiary seconds dial, the weight driven movement with six knopped and finned pillars, anchor escapement and inside countwheel, striking on a bell, with pendulum, two weights, winder and case key, 226cm high, 212cm high if separate caddy top is removed, PLEASE NOTE: This lot will be on display at our South Kensington branch from 29th May until it goes on view at Chiswick from 7th June. Provenance: From a private collection. Condition: Seen running in owner's home, but not fully tested or guaranteed. Notes: Thomas Barrett of Lewes was known to be working in 1690, admitted to the Clockmakers Company in 1702 and also known as one of the early lantern clock makers (F.J. Britten, 'Old clocks and watches and their makers'). He took on many apprentices one being John Mercer on the 15th May 1713. Mercer was apprenticed for five years to Thomas Barrett for a premium of £20.00, a relatively high premium. He was described as being the son of Thomas Mercer,