25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A George I brass 30-hour lantern clock, Richard Rayment I, of Bury St Edmunds, the brass finials over dolphin crest plates, over a brass dial signed 'Richd Rayment, Bury', with foliate scroll centre and silvered chapter ring on turned feet, the four column spike and hoop movement with anchor escapement and countwheel striking on a bell, 39.5 cm high
Richard Rayment, recorded as working in Cook Row Bury St. Edmunds between 1714-1754.
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.
Sold for £650
Condition Report
Likely later repairs and amendments made.
A George I brass 30-hour lantern clock, Richard Rayment I, of Bury St Edmunds, the brass finials over dolphin crest plates, over a brass dial signed 'Richd Rayment, Bury', with foliate scroll centre and silvered chapter ring on turned feet, the four column spike and hoop movement with anchor escapement and countwheel striking on a bell, 39.5 cm high
Richard Rayment, recorded as working in Cook Row Bury St. Edmunds between 1714-1754.
ProvenanceFrom 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.
