25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A William & Mary walnut and marquetry 8-day longcase clock, the moulded cornice over a fret carved frieze and ebonised barley-twist pilasters, enclosing a brass 10" dial signed 'James Clowes Londini fecit' with matted centre, silvered chapter ring and winged mask spandrels, the movement with five latched knopped and ringed pillars, anchor escapement and internal locking plate striking on a bell, the lenticle trunk door depicting birds in floral sprays, over a marquetry plinth and pad feet, 198.5 cm high. Movement and case later associated.
James Clowes, CC 1671-1705; James Clowes was born in 1643 in Astbury, Cheshire and is the brother of John Clowes. James became a free brother in the Clockmaker's Company as a 'Great Clockmaker' in April 1671. He was working at St Giles in the Fields in 1673, then at Blackfriars in 1675. In 1697 he signed the Clockmaker's Oath of Allegiance and died in 1706.
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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.
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 £4,800
Condition Report
The seat board has been replaced, the stiles of the case have been altered, the plinth is re-built and the hood fret has been replaced. Restoration throughout. Weighs and pendulum are present, but no key. Not tested as working. Some veneer cracks to the case in places, which leans forward slightly. We understand the movement and case to have stayed together, but have no documentary evidence.
A William & Mary walnut and marquetry 8-day longcase clock, the moulded cornice over a fret carved frieze and ebonised barley-twist pilasters, enclosing a brass 10" dial signed 'James Clowes Londini fecit' with matted centre, silvered chapter ring and winged mask spandrels, the movement with five latched knopped and ringed pillars, anchor escapement and internal locking plate striking on a bell, the lenticle trunk door depicting birds in floral sprays, over a marquetry plinth and pad feet, 198.5 cm high. Movement and case later associated.
James Clowes, CC 1671-1705; James Clowes was born in 1643 in Astbury, Cheshire and is the brother of John Clowes. James became a free brother in the Clockmaker's Company as a 'Great Clockmaker' in April 1671. He was working at St Giles in the Fields in 1673, then at Blackfriars in 1675. In 1697 he signed the Clockmaker's Oath of Allegiance and died in 1706.
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.
