BENJAMIN JOHNSON Londini fecit, c1690
Description:
BENJAMIN JOHNSON Londini fecit, c1690 The two-train fusée movement has latched pillars, a verge escapement and quarter repeating mechanism sounded on three bells and the hours on a separate bell. The back plate is engraved in the early style with tulips and acanthus leaves around the maker’s signature. The brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and winged cherub spandrels. The centre is finely matted with finely pierced and facetted blued steel hands. Benjamin Johnson is recorded as working in London during the last quarter of the 17th century and into the early 18th century. Walnut veneered clocks are extremely rare and greatly sought after. This particular example, which dates from circa 1690, is unusually small and therefore all the more desirable.
A fine and small William and Mary quarter repeating spring table clock in a walnut veneered case standing on brass bun feet and having a basket top surmounted by a carrying handle. The highly figured walnut veneers have been carefully selected and have now acquired a wonderful colour and good patination.
Clockmaker: BENJAMIN JOHNSON Londini fecit
Circa: 1690
Stock Number: 3949
Height: 12.5 inches (31 cm.)