An early 18th century brass lantern clock, the movement with anchor escapement striking on a bell, the 6½-inch circular dial engraved with foliate scrolls, the chapter ring with Roman hour numerals and signed 'Smorthwait in Colchester', the case of typical form with domed bell surmount and turned finial above pierced and engraved fret panels, the turned side columns with hinged side panels, on turned ball feet, height 39cm, with pendulum and later painted wood wall bracket. Provenance: restored by Cloud & Shapland, London, in 1889 and at West Dean College in 1995. Note: John Smorthwait (1675-1739) is a recorded clockmaker working in Colchester from about 1712 to his death in 1739. He was one of Colchester's earliest clockmakers and by far the most prolific.