|
Antique British Clocks
|
||||
| Lantern clocks were the earliest kind of household clock made in Britain. At first they were called 'house clocks' or 'chamber clocks' or simply 'clocks', as there was no other kind of domestic clock. The origin of the name Lantern Clock is sometimes said to be from the fact that the clock vaguely resembles a hand lantern, though in fact there is no evidence for this and the true origin of the name is unknown. We do know that the name 'Lantern Clock' is relatively modern and is probably not more than a hundred years old. The clocks themselves may be as much as four hundred years old though reproductions were made into the twentieth century. There were a few early prototypes, but lantern clocks of the traditional type were first made in England from about 1600 and continued to be made in London until about 1700, after which they gradually fell from fashion there. However they continued to be made in provincial England especially in the South-east counties until as late as the 1760s. Being the first type of household clock some lantern clocks are excitingly ancient yet some of their makers are scarcely known at all. For over forty years Brian Loomes has specialised in researching little-known clockmakers of the past, documenting their lives and publishing the findings. The results are set out in twenty-five books and hundreds of articles written by Brian Loomes. Many books and articles that mention early clockmakers acknowledge that many of the facts about their lives come from our researches. Others don't, but may still have taken their information from these sources. A lot of nonsense and inaccuracy appears on the internet about lantern clocks, some of it written by people who never did a day's research in their lives yet who write as if they did - which is galling to someone seriously interested in the subject. Research and study into early clockmakers is something we specialise in. If you buy a lantern clock from us we will tell you not only about its age but also the fullest details known about its maker, often including much new information which is the result of our own, personal researches. Brian Loomes's latest book Lantern Clocks and their Makers was published in August 2008 and is in print today. Anyone contemplating the purchase of a lantern clock should find this book helpful. | |||||
In recent times we have had through our hands lantern clocks by these highly regarded makers. If you are interested in selling any lantern clock we would be pleased to hear from you. | |||||
|
|||||
In 2008 Brian Loomes was awarded the very rare distinction of HONORARY FELLOW OF THE BRITISH HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE (Hon. F. B. H. I.) for his contribition to the advancement of horological knowledge through his writings over the last forty years. Such an award has rarely been made before.
|
Brian Loomes is probably the best-known name worldwide in antique clocks and Britain's longest-established clock dealer. He began dealing in antique clocks in 1966, since when he has supplied collectors, dealers and museums as well as individual buyers of single clocks on a worldwide basis. Brian Loomes is also author of over twenty-four reference books on antique clocks, and has written hundreds of articles on this subject for virtually every antiques-related publication. His own researches into the background history and styles of British clocks have revolutionised our understanding of the subject and of the makers themselves. Several of his books have become definitive texts and are used by museums, libraries, auction houses and collectors the world over. So much so that even many of the terms today used to describe certain type of clock features were first coined by him. If you want advice regarding a potential purchase from him, or if you are looking for a clock of a particular type or by a particular maker, why not give him a ring? Individual prices of items on this site, or a full list of prices, will be sent on request. Brian and Joy Loomes carry a large stock of carefully selected British clocks dating from the seventeenth century to about 1870. The principal stock is of lantern clocks, of which they normally have a stock of over twenty. There is usually a choice of about thirty longcase clocks, each with original movement and in its original case, fully overhauled and tested before being offered for sale. Most of the stock is pictured on the 'clocks for sale' pages of this website. Prices are available over the phone or a full price list will be sent on request by email or post. If antique English lantern clocks are your subject, you will find much to interest you in the newly-researched aspects of lantern clocks which keep occurring in articles by Brian Loomes in various magazines and which are now also published on this website. If you are a collector of antique English lantern clocks, get in touch, as some of the more unusual examples are often sold before they reach the pages of the website to collectors seeking certain types. Tell us what you are looking for or what might interest you, and we'll put you on our request list. Clock, and clock dial, restoration, clock repair work, clock servicing and clock conservation are also undertaken on behalf of clients. This is carried out by their son, Robert Loomes, whose workshops are located at 4, St. Mary's Hill, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DP, phone 01780-481319. Robert Loomes is a member of the British Watch & Clock Makers Guild, the British Horological Institute, and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. We do not exhibit at any antique fairs or trade shows, nor do we sell through any agents or outlets except our main showrooms, where we will arrange by prior appointment to be here in person to advise and assist potential clients. A selection of clocks, including some illustrated here, is on display at the showroom of Robert Loomes at 4, St. Mary's Hill, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DP. |
||||
CLOCK VALUATION AND IDENTIFICATION If you wish to identify or value a British antique clock (English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish), or find out what is known about its maker, its style, its quality, whether a clock you already own in the family or one you are thinking of buying, whether a longcase clock (sometimes known as a grandfather clock or a tall clock), or a bracket clock, or a wall clock, or a lantern clock,........ we will be pleased to help you, but we do charge a professional fee for this service of £50.00. Please do not enquire about valuations unless you are willing to pay the fee. Have a look at our section on Valuation / Identification / Appraisal and drop us an email enquiry. |
|||||
Click for details
of: home page || clocks
for sale: 1
- 2 - 3
- 4 - 5
- 6
- 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11
visit us || books
|| contact || clock
how-tos || articles
on clock collecting || VALUATION / DATING / IDENTIFICATION / APPRAISAL OF YOUR CLOCK
finding a clock by a particular maker
archive (sold clocks): 1 -
2 - 3
- 4 - 5
- 6 - 7
- 8 - 9
- 10 - 11
- 12 - 13
- 14 - 15
- 16 - 17
- 18 - 19
- 20 - 21 - 22
- 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 34 - 35 - 36 - 37 - 38 - 39 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43
Our valuation/identification/appraisal service costs £50 (currently $100 US)
Full price list of clocks sent on request