Benjamin Sudlow of Yarmouth, England. A miniature time and alarm lantern clock. TT-104.

Benjamin Sudlow, the son of Samuel Sudlow, is listed in Brain Loomes' "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World" as being born in 1715 and married in 1745. At this time, he was working at Beccles (Suffolk). He moved to North Yarmouth (Norfolk) in 1763 and died in 1787. He is buried at Lowestoft. Long case & bracket clocks are known. This clock, a miniature gentleman's traveling alarm lantern clock, is a fine example of his craftsmanship.

This rare miniature clock, made circa 1765, is a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. Its composite brass dial measures approximately 4 7/8 inches across by 6 7/8 inches tall, making it a unique and desirable piece for today's collector.

This is a fine miniature gentleman's traveling alarm lantern clock. These clocks were initially made for and sold to upper-middle-class travelers. They were intended to be taken with them on their journeys. It is thought that they would have been sold with a specially made wooden carrying box. These very rarely survive today. Lantern clocks were designed to be hung from a nail in the wall. This one is in surprisingly good condition, having its original verge pendulum. The verge pendulum was almost always used on such clocks. It provided the advantage that the pendulum is attached to the clock, making it conveniently portable. A long pendulum would have been separately attached and would be a real nuisance when traveling.

This is an authentic lantern clock. The dial resembles a tall clock dial in that it is arched. The decorations are applied to the traditional arched form. The cast decorative spandrels are applied to the dial sheet. They feature a female head with a headdress and a sweeping foliage design. The spandrels that frame the engraved name boss depict a male figure's head. He is also wearing a fancy hat and sports a long beard. The applied chapter ring is engraved with Roman hour figures, an interior minute ring, and simple half-hour markers. The center is finely matted. An engraved alarm disk and a single hand complete the dial presentation. The single hand would have been adequate during this period. It was also less expensive to manufacture. The movement has four turned pillars with top and bottom plates, side doors or dust covers, and side frets. A weight-driven rope drive powers the original verge escapement and the verge alarm hammer. The alarm strikes on a bell mounted above the clock. The height of this clock determines the length of the run. Most run thirty hours at standard height.

This clock has had some restoration. Its hanging hoop has been repaired, and its wall spurs and one side of the bell mount are missing. We will restore the bell mount. A neatly made wall bracket mounts the clock to the wall.

Inventory number TT-104.