25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A late William III olivewood marquetry month going longcase clock, Daniel Parker of London, the later scroll and mask carved pendiment with gilt ball finial over a marquerty hood with barley-twist ebonised and gilt columns, enclosing a brass 10" dial with matted centre, bevelled date aperture, subsidiary seconds dial, skeletonised chapter ring and mask spandrels, signed 'Daniel Parker in Fleet Sreet', the five knopped pillar movement striking on a bell, the trunk with crossbanded sides and floral design door with oval lenticle, over a marquetry plinth base on ebonised pad feet, 213 cm high.
Daniel Parker, born in Derby but working in London for the short period of 1695-1690, a member of the Blacksmiths company.
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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 lot: Sotheby’s London, 6th October 1994, Lot 354
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 £6,500
Condition Report
Movement has a later conversion to rack striking.
Not tested as working.
The seat board has been replaced and the plinth of the case has been re-built.
Good cosmetic condition, with some general surface wear in places and signs of historic worm to the hood. Small crack to the top right corner of the front glass.
The case doesn't sit quite flat, with some movement in it.
A late William III olivewood marquetry month going longcase clock, Daniel Parker of London, the later scroll and mask carved pendiment with gilt ball finial over a marquerty hood with barley-twist ebonised and gilt columns, enclosing a brass 10" dial with matted centre, bevelled date aperture, subsidiary seconds dial, skeletonised chapter ring and mask spandrels, signed 'Daniel Parker in Fleet Sreet', the five knopped pillar movement striking on a bell, the trunk with crossbanded sides and floral design door with oval lenticle, over a marquetry plinth base on ebonised pad feet, 213 cm high.
Daniel Parker, born in Derby but working in London for the short period of 1695-1690, a member of the Blacksmiths company.
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.
