25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A Charles II 30-hour brass lantern clock, John Ebsworth, London, with brass finials and dolphin frets, the tulip engraved dial with unused central alarm disc and signed in a reserve ‘John Ebsworth at Ye (Crossed Keys) in Lothbury Londini fecit’, silvered chapter ring, the posted movement with early verge escapement and short pendulum, count wheel striking the hours and with passing half hour strike on the top mounted bell, the rear with hoop and spurs, in a conventional posted case with ball feet, 39 cm high.
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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.
John Ebsworth was apprenticed to Richard Ames in 1657 and was Free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1665. By 1667 he is recorded as working in the workshops of Thomas Knifton at the Crossed Keys in Lothbury. Knifton died in January of that year and it is thought that Ebsworth probably took over the Knifton premises at that point. John Ebsworth was made an Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1682, was a Warden between 1694 and 1696, was Master in 1697 and died in 1699.
This is a very interesting and potentially documentary lantern clock by Ebsworth. It appears that the original intention was for it to have been fitted with a verge and balance escapement and alarm, as expected in an early clock by him. The plates were drilled for the fitting of this system but apparently there was a change of plan, and those holes were filled with lead. The alarm disc to the dial remained unused, the striking work was fitted to the left side and passing half-hour strike was fitted on the right. A verge escapement was fitted with a short bob pendulum outside the backplate. It is possible that this is one of the earliest pendulum-controlled lantern clocks by Ebsworth.
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 £2,800
Condition Report
Likely later repairs and amendments made. Not in current running order.
A Charles II 30-hour brass lantern clock, John Ebsworth, London, with brass finials and dolphin frets, the tulip engraved dial with unused central alarm disc and signed in a reserve ‘John Ebsworth at Ye (Crossed Keys) in Lothbury Londini fecit’, silvered chapter ring, the posted movement with early verge escapement and short pendulum, count wheel striking the hours and with passing half hour strike on the top mounted bell, the rear with hoop and spurs, in a conventional posted case with ball feet, 39 cm high.
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.
