Objects

Lantern Clock
1690-1695
Thomas Barret (ca. 1665–1752)
England: Lewes
Brass, iron
clock: 16"h x 6-1/2"w x 8"d; clock with pendulum: 47"h x 6-1/2"w x 8"d
Gift of Mrs. Willis R. Michael
82.53.3a-c

Lantern Clock; a: clock; tulip engraved brass dial plate inscribed "Tho. Barret/ Lewes" above center arbor; single iron hand; key winding hole beneath center arbor; dolphin fretwork surrounding bell; 30-hour movement, weight driven anchor escapement, posted frame, count-wheel strike; b: pendulum; c: weight.


Among the first clocks in the colonies were English ones made in this box-like shape, later called lantern clocks. Powered by a pendulum, this clock kept fairly accurate time. Its single hand marked time to the quarter hour. If kept in good working order and wound daily, a clock like this one would lose less than a minute a day.