Thomas Tompion No.535. A small brass lantern clock with alarm, London, circa 1712

4¼-inch dial with foliate engraved centre signed Tho: Tompion, London, central alarm disc and single steel hand, the posted movement with verge escapement, now lacking alarm train and with later added striking train, the case with top mounted bell and turned finials, foliate frets, tapered columns and ball feet, the top plate numbered 535 and stamped with a fleur de lis above W

Illustrated and discussed Antiquarian Horology  December 1971 pgs.444/445 and Antiquarian Horology Summer 1977 pgs.360/361

Dial in generally good condition, some losses to waxing of numerals, alarm disc possibly replaced. Movement is lacking all of the alarm work and a striking train has been added at a later date. The case is now lacking the side doors, a slot has been cut in the top plate to accommodate the striking hammer, the ratchet to the great wheel appears to have been altered, slots and holes have been made in the pillars to take the striking detent, warning flap and hammer arbor, the steel spurs to the rear feet have been cut off. With a brass cased weight and counter weight.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Thomas Tompion, the greatest of English clockmakers, was born at Ickwell Green, Bedfordshire in 1639. He became a Free Brother of the Clockmakers' Company in September 1671 and served as Master in 1703. In 1674 he occupied premises at the sign of The Dial and Three Crowns, at the corner of Fleet Street and Water Lane and continued his successful business at this address until his death in November 1713. Between 1680 and 1685 Tompion introduced a numbering system for his clocks and watches which was continued after his death by his successor, George Graham.  This example, No. 535, is one of very few lantern timepieces with alarms made by Tompion and the only recorded example to have been later converted to striking.