25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A Charles II 30-hour brass alarm lantern clock, John Clark(e) II of Bristol, the brass finials and armorial frets over a mask and foliate scroll engraved dial with silvered alarm dial and chapter ring, signed 'John Clarke, Bris-toll' to the spandrels, on turned feet, the four column spike and hoop movement with verge escapement and short bob pendulum striking on a bell, 40 cm high
John Clark(e) II, recorded as working as a released apprentice, in Bristol between 1650-1676.
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From the estate of the late William John Thornton (1937-2025), of Groby, Leicestershire. Known as 'John' to his friends and family, he became interested in steam engines from an early age, and then traction engines and aircraft, before building an extensive knowledge and collection of clocks, notably early Lantern clocks and longcases. He was a very keen member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, and gave several lectures to their members at Keble College, Oxford. John was also a member of the Furniture Society in Groby village, and the Groby allotment Society, being chairman of the latter for over 30 years.
Ex Lots:
Dreweatts, 15th September 2015, Lot 185
Sotheby’s London, 23rd March 1999, Lot 251
An important collection from the Estate of the late William John Thornton
An important collection from the Estate of the late William John Thornton (1937-2025), of Groby, Leicestershire. 'John', as he was known, was an enthusiastic collector and scholar of early English clocks, and a dedicated member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, where he lectured on clocks at Keble College, Oxford, and contributed articles to respected horological publications. His passion for early timepieces—particularly lantern clocks and longcase clocks—resulted in a carefully curated collection that reflects both historical importance and technical excellence.
Sold for £4,500
A Charles II 30-hour brass alarm lantern clock, John Clark(e) II of Bristol, the brass finials and armorial frets over a mask and foliate scroll engraved dial with silvered alarm dial and chapter ring, signed 'John Clarke, Bris-toll' to the spandrels, on turned feet, the four column spike and hoop movement with verge escapement and short bob pendulum striking on a bell, 40 cm high
John Clark(e) II, recorded as working as a released apprentice, in Bristol between 1650-1676.
Thinking of Selling a Clock?
Our friendly experts offer free valuations and clear advice, guiding you through a seamless selling process. With a no sale, no fee policy, no entry charges, and no hidden costs, it’s simple and risk-free to sell clocks with Dawsons.
Provenance
From the estate of the late William John Thornton (1937-2025), of Groby, Leicestershire. Known as 'John' to his friends and family, he became interested in steam engines from an early age, and then traction engines and aircraft, before building an extensive knowledge and collection of clocks, notably early Lantern clocks and longcases. He was a very keen member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, and gave several lectures to their members at Keble College, Oxford. John was also a member of the Furniture Society in Groby village, and the Groby allotment Society, being chairman of the latter for over 30 years.
An important collection from the Estate of the late William John Thornton
An important collection from the Estate of the late William John Thornton (1937-2025), of Groby, Leicestershire. 'John', as he was known, was an enthusiastic collector and scholar of early English clocks, and a dedicated member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, where he lectured on clocks at Keble College, Oxford, and contributed articles to respected horological publications. His passion for early timepieces—particularly lantern clocks and longcase clocks—resulted in a carefully curated collection that reflects both historical importance and technical excellence.
