Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock. A high quality reproduction made by H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism."The Weymouth." No. 100. No. 8. 222118.

This high-quality example is a faithful reproduction of Simon Willard's lighthouse clock. H L F Clocks made it in Lake Erie, Pennslyvania, circa 2007. This clock is No.8 of the approximate 14 completed examples.

Simon Willard introduced the lighthouse clock form as a variation of the shelf clock. Its appeal, beyond the unusual case form, has to be the accessibility of the mechanism. Placing the works under a glass dome allowed the viewer to see a clock mechanism's internal workings and motions. The ability to view the internal workings of a clock mechanism must have been very exciting. Shortly after their introduction, a variety of movement configurations were employed. The alarm is often associated with this form because of an advertisement Simon placed in 1822. Simon advertised in the Boston newspaper his newly patented alarm with an illustration of the lighthouse clock form. Simon was granted a patent for an alarm mechanism in 1822. This clock form was well suited to illustrate this device. Based on the lighthouse examples known to survive, the variation in case presentations suggests that they were made individually. The glass dome mounted to the top of the case was integral to the design of the case. The glass dome also provided a cover for the mechanism and protected it from air born elements. The movement designs from one example to another exhibit a number of variations. The vast majority appear to have been constructed as timepieces. The significant grouping of movements is fitted with a passing strike. Others were designed with an alarm mechanism added to the left side of the works. The alarm hammer could be set up to strike a bell, usually mounted above the movement, or to rap on the wooden case. Another visually attractive setup choice was the inclusion of a rocking ship. The ship is displayed above the dial and moves side to side with the pendulum's motion. Today, the original clocks are highly prized by collectors. As a result, the original form has been reproduced by a number of people.

This hand-built mahogany case is raised on three cast brass feet. The feet are in the form of animal paws and are applied to the bottom of the case. The Clockmaker's "HLF" label is pasted under the clock. The base section is constructed in the form of an octagon. A cast brass mount is applied to the front panel. A skillfully turned molding transitions the octagon form to a tapered circular waist section. This large cylinder features a quality selection of crotch mahogany veneer. A second cast brass ornament is mounted here in the center. A shaped molding forms the mounting platform for the distinctive glass dome. This dome is removable so that one can access the movement and dial.

A decorative brass bezel secures the enamel slightly convex iron-backed dial to the movement. The time ring features an open minute ring, and the hours are marked with Roman-style figures. The front surface of this dial provides excellent contrast between the black hands and the dial surface. This dial is signed with Simon Willard's name in a blocked font. In the center of the dial is the alarm disk. This is used to set the alarm.

The time-only movement is constructed in brass and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is powered by a heavy lead weight that descends through the center of the case directly below the movement. Two large rectangular plates that are polished and rounded at the top are supported by four turned posts. The backplate is stamped on the lower center position "DL / FECIT." Steel shafts suspend the brass gearing. The pinions are hardened and turned smooth. The escapement is a recoil design, and the pendulum hangs from the back of the movement suspended on a post. The suspension is a t-bridge. This clock is fitted with an alarm. The alarm is independently wound and set. It is weight powered and wound by hand, turning the cord onto the alarm drum. The alarm sounds by actuating a hammer. A fancy brass knob secures the bell at strikes the bell mounted above the movement on a steel stand. The bell is secured by a fancy brass knob.

This clock measures approximately 30.25 inches tall to the top of the glass dome. It is 9 inches wide and 9 inches deep. This clock and case are very well made.

Inventory number 222118.

  • Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock. A high quality reproduction made by H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism. "The Weymouth." No. 100. No. 8. 222118. Delaney Clocks.
  • Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock. A high quality reproduction made by H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism. 222118. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock. "The Weymouth." No. 100. No. 8. 222118. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock featuring an alarm. A high quality reproduction of made by H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism. 222118.
  • Simon Willard's Lighthouse Clock. A high quality reproduction. H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism. 222118. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • H L F Clocks with a David Lindow made mechanism. "The Weymouth." No. 100. No. 8. 222118. Delaney Clocks.
  • David Lindow lighthouse mechanism with alarm. 222118. Delaney Clocks.
  • David Lindow die-stamp. 222118. Delaney Clocks.