Windmills Green Lacquer Chinoiserie Longcase Clock

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About the Item

Joseph Windmills (c1640-1724), was an eminent London watch- and clockmaker who, with his son Thomas, produced outstanding timepieces between 1671 and 1737. This is a particularly fine and impressive 8 day Chinoiserie longcase clock by signed Windmills, circa 1720 Joseph was born around 1640/1650 and his origins are uncertain. In his first years as clockmaker, his workshop was located in St Martin's Le Grand, and his house was in Blow Bladder Street, before moving to Mark Lane End in Tower Street in 1687. In 1699 he was elected as the youngest Warden of the Clockmakers' Company, and sat on committees alongside Thomas Tompion, preceding him as Master of the Company in 1702. His son Thomas completed his apprenticeship, subsequently working as a journeyman, and free of the Clockmakers' Company in about 1695. Thomas also served as Master of the Company, in 1718. The partnership J & T Windmills also took over Thomas Tompion's clock maintenance contract at the Tower of London and at Woolwich and other Crown contracts.[1] Windmills was regarded as one of the finest clockmakers in seventeenth century London, producing a large number of lantern clocks, bracket clocks, longcase clocks and pocket watches. His earliest watch, displayed in the British Museum, was made before 1680 and did not make use of a balance spring. Thomas Tompion's sprung balance transformed the pocket watch from ornamental item into an accurate timepiece. Joseph's last recorded attendance at the Court of the Clockmakers' Company was on 24 October 1723, ending a membership of more than thirty-two years. He died in 1724, having spent fifty-two years at his trade. Thomas then ran the company until his death in 1737. Thomas died childless and thus was the last of the Windmills' male line. This particular clock was sourced privately from a collector who has owned this clock for for 25 years and the condition is quite remarkable when you consider how delicate chinoiserie Chinese lacquer can be . The case was expertly cleaned and waxed by an expert conservator which revealed the most wonderful finish which is very well detailed of excellent colour with a dark green background . Many of the oriental scenes are highlighted in high relief and it is in as good a condition as anyone good possibly expect. The images provide a good indication of the item but I would recommend a personal visit as the clock is actually much nicer in real life. The clock is also decorated down the sides but not in high relief or in so vivid colours as used on the front. The caddy pediment is original and has side windows so that the movement can be seen The 13 inch arched brass arched dial with silvered chapter ring signed by the maker has a matted centre and ringed winding holes with wheat ear engraving around the edge of the dial and Windmills typical date feature in the arch. It has a brass strapped pendulum and bob together with brass cased weights The very substantial 5 finned pillar movement of 8 day duration is of the finest London quality and displays typical Windmills features such as the back cock and double detent on the strike train . It strikes the hours on a bell The mechanism is shown as dirty as acquired but the movement will be professionally restored by Overton Clocks of Chesterfield who's work is exemplary and will be sold with a three year guarantee and free delivery and set up to England Wales and the Scottish lowlands at the full asking price This clock is 8ft 3 inch tall (approx) 18 1/2 inches at its widest point , 13 inches wide at the trunk and 9 1/4 inches deep. If a lesser offer is accepted it will be considered a trade sale with the clock sold as described with shipping / collection the responsibility of the buyer. I will ship the clock worldwide Guesstimate shipping rates are as follows Europe £400 USA £700 Asia and Australia £900

Dimensions:
Height: 98 in (248.92 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Lacquered
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Early 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1720
Condition:
Seller Location:
Chesterfield, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3906313056732