One-Handed Longcase Clock

This one-handed longcase clock is in an elegant, multi-colored marquetry case. The rising hood, latched movement, and outside countwheel striking are all early features. The brass dial is signed, William Clement Londini fecit. The allover engraving of the dial reflects the Dutch influence on early English clocks.

The concept of keeping time to the second or even minute was revolutionary to most people in the 17th century. Many early clocks had only one hand to show only the passage of the hours.

William Clement was an important early maker but very little is known about him personally. The earliest recorded clockmaker by this name was born before 1622 and was made a Freeman of the Blacksmiths Company in 1654. He was known to still be alive in 1675. There is significant confusion because his son and grandson were also clockmakers.