Bidspirit auction | PETER CLOSON OF LONDON, A

PETER CLOSON OF LONDON, A RARE CIRCA 1625–1630 FIRST-PERIOD BRASS STRIKING LANTERN CLOCK, the posted case surmounted by a strapped bell with turned vase finials, above an original pierced and engraved front fret signed 'Peter Closon Neare Holborne bridg', the turned corner columns raised on ball feet. The 6½-inch dial has a narrow Roman numeral chapter ring and engraved centre decorated with restrained scrolling flat-leaf foliage and characteristic parallel shading, arranged around a plain central reserve originally intended for an alarm disc. The two-train weight-driven movement strikes the hours on the bell and has undergone an early conversion from verge-and-foliot to anchor escapement, reflecting the continued adaptation of the clock during its working life. Peter Closon was among the earliest generation of London lantern-clock makers. The signature records his early premises near Holborn Bridge and supports a date of circa 1625–1630. Closon's workshop is also associated with the training of the clockmaker John Wise. The restrained treatment of the dial closely corresponds with the Peter Closon lantern clock illustrated in George White, English Lantern Clocks, p.69, Fig. II/57, which is similarly dated circa 1625–1630 and displays comparable flat-leaf ornament, horizontal shading and an open scrolling composition. Literature: George White, English Lantern Clocks, p.69, Fig. II/57, for a closely comparable first-period lantern clock by Peter Closon. (6.5in chapter ring diameter)