WINDMILLS & WIGHTMAN (c.1730-1750)

30.00 inch high

76.20 cm high

An important walnut striking table clock of impressive proportions by the famous partnership; Windmills & Wightman.

The arched brass dial has a finely matted centre, date and mock pendulum apertures with the signature elegantly engraved on a plaque above VI. The silvered chapter ring which has a double minutes circle with fleur de lys half hour markers has four lady, mask and scroll spandrels to the four corners.The rise/fall regulation dial in the arch has a matted centre and is flanked on either side by dolphin cast spandrels. The blued steel hour and minute hands are both pierced and seemingly original.

The walnut veneered case is in remarkably original condition and it retains a rich colour and patination. The case’s grand size is of particular appeal, as is the mellow colour of the walnut veneers. The inverted bell top case has foliate pierced frets above the husk and scroll carved canted angles with conforming frets and brass handles to sides, on cavetto moulded base with shaped apron.

The movement has five pillars, twin fusee rack and bells striking movement with verge escapement and rise/fall regulation. The backplate is finely engraved, with two Hoho birds positioned within the foliate designs below the signature Windmills & Wightman, LONDON.



* In 1699, Joseph Windmills was elected as the youngest Warden of the Company. Meanwhile his son Thomas had completed his apprenticeship and then worked as a journeyman, becoming free of the Clockmaker's company in 1695/1696.

"The exact date on which William Wightman joined the celebrated Windmills firm is uncertain, however Ordnance Office bills record the partnership in September 1735 (See Neale, J. A. Joseph and Thomas Windmills, Clock and Watch Makers 1671-1737, p. 233)."

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