Made c.1675, this rare Scottish lantern clock by Humphrey Mills is on offer online from Lewes clock dealership WF Bruce for £26,000.
It was among the first to be fitted with a newly adopted anchor escapement, invented around 20 years earlier by Robert Hooke, which became the standard for pendulum clocks through the 18th century. Measuring 14in (36cm) tall, it was probably originally fitted in a case – suggested by the lack of provision for side frets and the small arc of the long pendulum.
Mills completed his apprenticeship with London clockmaker Peter Closon in 1640 and moved to Edinburgh shortly after. His brother Thomas Mills was also a noted maker of lantern clocks in London’s Shoe Lane.
WF Bruce offers all grandfather, lantern, mantel, wall and bracket clocks with a two-year guarantee.
