MINIATURE LANTERN CLOCK Joseph Saer London Ca. 1690

M&R181

MINIATURE LANTERN CLOCK
Signed: Joseph Saer London
Circa 1690
England

Movement
This miniature weight-driven lantern clock has a movement constructed between bars and consists of going and alarm trains. The going train has verge escapement with a short pendulum attached to it.

Dial
The brass dial plate has a Roman chapter ring with half-hour divisions in the shape of a cross consisting of arrows. There is a brass alarm disc in the middle, with Arabic hour numerals, as well as half-hour divisions and an engraved rose. The dial is engraved around the disc depicting floral and scrolling leaf motifs, with the signature of the maker at the top under the XII: Joseph Saer London. The time is indicated by a single pierced blued steel, the alarm time being indicated by the tail of the hand.

Case
The brass case of this miniature lantern clock has two doors to the sides and is surmounted by a bell in a bell strap. There are three pierced frets around the bell, of which the front one is engraved, depicting floral and leaf motifs. The chapter ring is slightly larger than the case at the sides, sticking out a little, which gives the clock a well-proportioned appearance.

Duration one day

Height 16 cm.
Width 10 cm.
Depth 10.5 cm.

Literature
Brian Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700, Ashbourne, 2014, p. 425.

The maker
Joseph Saer (Saers) was active as a clockmaker in London. He was made a ‘Free Brother’ of the Clockmakers’ Company in April 1687. In 1697 he signed the Clockmakers’ Company oath of allegiance to and paid quarterage until at least 1704. Several longcase clocks by his hand are known.