A RARE LATE 17TH CENTURY LANCASHIRE BRASS AND IRON LANTERN CLOCK BY RICHARD BRECKELL OF HOLMES, CIRCA 1690

A RARE LATE 17TH CENTURY LANCASHIRE BRASS AND IRON LANTERN CLOCK BY RICHARD BRECKELL OF HOLMES, CIRCA 1690, having a 6½-inch Roman chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half-hour markers enclosing a tulip-engraved centre, signed ‘Richard Breckell de Holmes Fecit’ and bearing the contemporary initials ‘IH’, with pierced iron hand and engraved corner spandrels. The posted frame, constructed with distinctive square iron movement pillars, is enclosed by brass side doors and surmounted by pierced and engraved dolphin frets, turned finials and a strapped domed iron bell. The two-train, single-weight rope-driven movement has its original anchor escapement and strikes the hours on the bell.

Richard Breckell was among the earliest recorded clockmakers working in Lancashire. He established his business at Holmes, near Lancaster, and was admitted a Freeman of Lancaster in 1706, recorded as a clockmaker and hardwareman. His earliest clocks are signed ‘de Holmes Fecit’, while later examples bear the signature ‘Lancaster Fecit’. The early Holmes signature places the present clock within the formative period of Breckell’s career, before his admission as a Freeman of Lancaster.

Breckell’s lantern clocks are distinguished from contemporary London production by their strongly individual provincial construction. Characteristic features include the iron-framed movement, square iron pillars and particular arrangement of the wheelwork and striking mechanism. These features correspond closely with other documented clocks by the maker and demonstrate a recognisable Lancashire tradition of lantern-clock manufacture.

The dial centre is engraved with a large stylised tulip above the maker’s signature, together with the initials ‘IH’. These initials are contemporary with the clock and are likely to record an early owner, giving the clock an individual historic association. The large Roman chapter ring, fleur-de-lys half-hour markers, engraved corner spandrels and pierced dolphin frets are characteristic decorative features of late 17th-century provincial lantern clocks.

Surviving lantern clocks by Richard Breckell are particularly scarce. The ‘de Holmes Fecit’ signature is of additional significance, identifying the clock as an early example made before Breckell adopted Lancaster as the place-name in his signature.

For a comparable lantern clock by Richard Breckell, see George White, English Lantern Clocks, p. 298, fig. VII/20. See also Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks & Their Makers, pp. 309–311, figs. 17.54–17.62, illustrating and discussing another example with the maker’s characteristic iron movement, square pillars and distinctive provincial construction.

6 1/2in diameter Roman chapter ring