Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

17th Century English eight-day spring-driven table clock, by John Wrench

About the Item

A Rare Late 17th Century English Basket-Top Spring Clock by John Wrench of Chester, Circa 1695-1700. England This exquisite late 17th-century English basket-top table clock, signed by John Wrench of Chester, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of the golden age of English horology. The beautifully proportioned ebony-veneered case features a basket top adorned with cast brass ornaments, including trumpeting putti amidst elaborate scrollwork. A central temple motif is set within the gallery, exuding grandeur and intricacy. The case is further enhanced by repousse brass escutcheons on the front door, rectangular glazed panels on the sides to reveal the movement, and rests on elegant brass claw feet. The fine square brass dial boasts a matted center and an applied silvered chapter ring. The chapter ring is meticulously engraved with Roman hour numerals, half-hour markers, and Arabic five-minute numerals, surrounded by intricate gilt-brass cherub-head spandrels. A date aperture sits below the XII, and the elegant blued steel hands are finely pierced, adding to the dial's refined aesthetic. The signature "John Wrench" is engraved prominently on the chapter ring. The eight-day twin fusee movement, constructed between beautifully engraved plates, is a testament to the clockmaker's skill. It features a verge escapement with a short, knife-suspended pendulum. The striking mechanism is regulated by an internal rack, chiming the hours fully on a bell. Additionally, the movement incorporates a pull-quarter repeat on a secondary bell, a sophisticated feature of clocks from this period. The backplate is profusely engraved with floral motifs and a cartouche bearing the maker’s name, "John Wrench of Chester." Provenance and Maker: John Wrench, an esteemed clockmaker based in Chester, was made free in 1694. His works include longcase clocks, spring-driven table clocks, and watches. He is also known for his contribution to the Bluecoat School in Chester, creating a clock for the institution in 1720. This piece is a superb example of his mastery. Condition: This clock is in exceptional condition, retaining its original components and exhibiting a deep, lustrous patina. The movement has been carefully serviced to ensure full functionality while preserving its historical integrity. Historical Significance: Table clocks of this era were designed as both functional timepieces and status symbols, often displayed in the homes of affluent patrons. This clock, with its exquisite craftsmanship and advanced features, reflects the sophistication and artistry of late 17th-century English clockmaking. A rare and remarkable piece, this clock is an outstanding addition to any serious collection of fine horology or antique furniture. Dimensions on request.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.4 in (1 cm)Width: 0.4 in (1 cm)Depth: 0.4 in (1 cm)
  • Style:
    William and Mary (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1695-1700
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The repeat work was partly restored to the original pattern. Several missing parts were made in the correct style.
  • Seller Location:
    Oxfordshire, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4936242867702

More From This Seller

View All
A rare 17th century English eight-day spring-driven table clock by J Gerrard
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Rare Late 17th Century English Eight-Day Spring-Driven Table Clock, Circa 1700. England Signed J. Gerrard. This exceptional late 17th-century English eight-day table clock is a s...
Category

Antique 17th Century English William and Mary Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

17th Century Charles II Month Going Marquetry Longcase Clock by John Wise
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb Charles II month duration floral marquetry longcase clock by the well-known maker John Wise, c. 1680-85. Measure: 10". The case is of the highest quality and decorated throughout in very attractive floral marquetry depicting spring flowers and birds showing a high level of sophistication with a glazed circular lenticle to the door. Similarly, the rising hood is decorated with blind frets around the top and surmounted by a shallow caddy decorated by five gilt wooden ball finials. It is flanked by prominent gilt brass-capped solid barley twist columns, with blind fretted panels to the sides. The month-going nicely finned and knopped five pillar movement has reversed going and striking trains, the striking train (on the right) being regulated by a small outside countwheel. The going train has anchor escapement and a seconds pendulum. The movement is fronted by a 10-inch brass dial with an unusual narrow silvered chapter ring, seconds ring and date aperture. It has elaborate cherub-head spandrels in the corners and is signed along the bottom John Wise Londini Fecit. The middle is finely matted, whilst the time is indicated by a fine pair of blued-steel hands, the hour hand richly pierced. The maker John Wise was born in Banbury shortly before 17 March 1624, the date of his baptism. He was the son of John and Ann Wise and a cousin of Joseph Knibb...
Category

Antique 17th Century British Charles II Grandfather Clocks and Longcase ...

Materials

Brass, Steel

17th Century Lantern Alarm Clock by Johannes Quelch, Oxford
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...
Category

Antique 17th Century British Baroque Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

A Rare and Important Charles II 17th Century Table Clock by Henry Jones
By Henry Jones
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
The Rare and Important 17th Century Spring Driven Table Clock by the Celebrated Maker, Henry Jones. Provenance dating back to 1745. Owned by Captain Alexander Raitt A very rare an...
Category

Antique 17th Century English Charles II Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

17th Century Hague Clock Signed by Pieter Visbagh, circa 1675
By A. Petersen & Co.
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Unusually small Hague clock made c. 1675 by Pieter Visbagh, who was apprenticed by Salomon Coster. The latter made the first pendulum clock according to th...
Category

Antique 17th Century Dutch Baroque Wall Clocks

Materials

Ebony, Olive

George III Ebonized Eight-Day Twin Fusee Table Clock by O. Hamley
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A lovely late George III single pad ebonized eight-day, twin fusee table clock with original verge escapement and rack striking by O. Hamley, circa 1800-1815. The moulded single pad ebonized domed top case with original carrying handle is raised on all four of its original ogee bracket feet onto a detailed base moulding. Gilt-brass sound frets adorn the sides and front in a 'fish scale' pattern backed with bright burgundy silk. The enameled white dial displays Roman numerals, minute and quarter-hour markers housed inside a gilt-brass bezel and domed glass, signed Hamley, Warwick Place, London. The clock features a strike/silent switch on the front dial and a repeat to the right-hand-side. The backplate has border engraving and a short pendulum. Date: 1800-1815 O. Hamley is recorded in Loomes (2006) as being active, circa 1811. He also worked at Bedford Row...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English George III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Fruitwood

You May Also Like

17th-Century English Lantern Clock by Ignatius Huggeford
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
17th-century English , Lantern Clock, by the historically important London clock maker Ignatius Huggeford... It is worth highlighting that Ignatius Huggeford held the distinction of...
Category

Antique 17th Century British Charles II Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

17th Century Obelisk-Shaped Table Clock
Located in London, GB
17th Century obelisk-shaped table clock Italian, 17th Century Height 28cm, width 9cm, depth 7cm A stunning piece from the 17th century, this table clock is a precious element of horological artistry and mechanical innovation. Encased in gilt and glass, the delicate clock is shaped akin to an obelisk, an intriguing symbol that lends a striking visual appeal. The foundation of the timepiece is a gilt brass and...
Category

Antique 1660s Italian Baroque Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

17th Century Regency Clock and Console Table
Located in Cantù, IT
A clock and console table in the style of Louis XIV made by parisian cabinet maker Lessure who specilised in the reproduction of statues of horses. He ...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

English 17th century lacquered Morbier model pendulum clock with chinoiserie
Located in Torino, IT
Rare English pendulum clock, original and eighteenth-century period with chinoiserie decorations, in good condition, working mechanism, an object of great decorative impact and uniqu...
Category

Antique 1770s Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass

17th Century Walnut and Marquetry Longcase Clock
Located in East Hampton, NY
Late 17th century walnut and marquetry longcase clock. Marked "Windmills, London"
Category

Antique 17th Century English Clocks

17th Century Antique Ebony and Gilt Table Clock by Edward Burgis of London
By Edward Burgis
Located in Devon, GB
A rare James II ebony and gilt-metal basket-top quarter-striking spring table clock. The latched 7 1/4 inch square dial has a matted centre, silvered and engraved chapter-ring with strike or silent above 'XII'. The three-train verge fusee...
Category

Antique 17th Century British Jacobean Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Ebony

Recently Viewed

View All