A very rare late 17th century diamond-shaped wall clock with single-hand brass dial and weight-driven movement, mounted within a boldly moulded painted oak case.

The case is constructed around an oak board, cut square with bevelled edges and is hung en losange, retaining a wrought iron hanging loop at the apex. The weight-driven movement is mounted directly to the rear of the board in the early post-frame style, without a conventional case or hood, and is operated via a single iron chain and brass-cased weight.

The dial is a flat brass plate with four driven lobed corners and is secured to the board with hand-forged steel screws. The Roman hour numerals are boldly engraved with sword hilt half-hour divisions and there is a fine inner quarter hour track. The centre is charmingly engraved with a stylised rosette, and retains its original brass tulip-form hand, consistent with early west country design. The character and engraving style reflect the hand of a rural craftsman, most likely active in the Bristol or South Gloucestershire area.

The movement has a verge crown wheel escapement and short pendulum, regulated from behind the dial. The clock is driven by a single weight suspended on an iron chain.

This is an extremely rare and well-preserved example of an early English wall clock, representing a variation on the lantern clocks of the late 1700s in a rural West Country workshop.

Date: circa 1690

Width: 10 ⅝ in (27 cm)

HW6587