A Commonwealth 30-hour alarm lantern clock, in original painted pine case, Thomas Knifton London (Lothbury), the clock with a brass finial over a brass frame for the bell and dolphin engraved pediments, the dial with alarm centre dial, single hand, silvered chapter ring and signed 'Thomas Knifton at the (crossed keys) in Lothbury Londini', on turned feet, the movement with anchor escapement and countwheel striking on a bell, spikes to the rear, 40 cm high, the case with moulded top over a glazed door and panelled side doors, over a long panelled trunk door, apertures to the sides for the pendulum bob, and plinth base, 241.5 cm high, second half of the 17^th century, later weights and pendulum.

After buying this clock at auction, the late owner managed to find the original case in an antique shop in Brighton. After extensive research, he traced the clock back to the Wendy Family, of Haslingfield in Cambridgeshire, who owned it from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, where it had been on display in their manor house, before later being moved to 'Green Farm' and then 'Knapp Farm' in the same area, staying within the same ownership and handed down by generation. It's believed the case and clock became separated circa 1985, before being reunited in the early 2000s. See the accompanying images for an article written by the late owner, in September 2005, in 'Antique Horology', No. 1, Vol 29. A copy of this is included in the sale of the lot, together with a quantity of other related paperwork.

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.

He purchased this clock from Bonhams, December 2004, and later found the original case.

Thomas Knifton born in Nottinghamshire, but later in Lothbury he died in 1667, although never admitted to the clock makers guild was a respected maker. Lothbury, City of London, was the location of a small community of pre–Great Fire clock manufacturers and associated trades, the Great fire, all but curtailed the clock making community, with a few continuing but most makers relocation to Clerkenwell.