JOSEPH WINDMILLS, London c1705
Description:
An exceptional Queen Anne walnut veneered longcase clock with fine colour and good patination by this eminent maker. The elegantly proportioned case stands on a double plinth with a lenticle to the trunk door and carved gilt wood corbuls beneath the hood. The pull forward hood has turned pillars flanking the door beneath a caddy top with three gilt wood finials. The 11 inch square dial is mounted with crown and cherub spandrels with foliage engraving between, silvered chapter ring and subsidiary seconds ring. The centre is finely matted with ringed winding apertures and ringed date aperture. The chapter ring is signed by the maker J Windmills LONDINI Fecit. The eight day duration movement has latch pillars, an anchor escapement and hours strike on a bell via an inside locking plate. It is important to note that the wheel work is original throughout the clock. Joseph Windmills is recorded as "a great clockmaker" who was free of the Clockmakers Company in July 1671. He worked initially in St Martin le Grand before moving to Mark Lane End Tower Street in 1687. In 1699 he was appointed Warden of the Clockmakers Company and sat on committees alongside his peer Thomas Tompion. In 1702 he succeeded Tompion as Master of the Clockmakers Company. Today he is recognised as one of the important makers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Clockmaker: JOSEPH WINDMILLS, London
Circa: 1705
Stock Number: 3477
Height: 94 inches (239 cm.)