William & Mary Marquetry Longcase Clock by Joseph Windmills London, 1690

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An exceptional William & Mary walnut and floral marquetry longcase clock, made in London circa 1690 by the celebrated master … Read more An exceptional William & Mary walnut and floral marquetry longcase clock, made in London circa 1690 by the celebrated master Joseph Windmills (c.1640–1724), one of the most distinguished English clockmakers of the late seventeenth century and among the greatest contemporaries of Thomas Tompion. The imposing case is crafted in richly figured walnut and exquisitely decorated throughout with intricate floral marquetry incorporating flowers, birds, and butterflies, a hallmark of the finest English furniture of the William & Mary period. The architectural hood is fitted with elegant barley-twist (wrythen) columns, surmounted by a molded cornice, while the long trunk door features the original glazed lenticle, allowing a view of the pendulum in motion. The clock stands on its original plinth base with bun feet. The superb 11-inch brass dial is adorned with finely cast scrolling foliate spandrels surrounding a silvered chapter ring engraved with Roman and Arabic numerals. It incorporates a subsidiary seconds dial, a date aperture, and is signed: "J. Windmills, London." The movement is an outstanding example of late seventeenth-century English horology, featuring an eight-day duration, six-pillar construction, and striking the hours on a bell. Remarkably, the clock retains its original pendulum, original brass weights, original movement, and the extremely rare original animal-gut weight cords, an exceptional survival that greatly enhances both its historical integrity and collector appeal. The clock is in working order, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkably complete and authentic example by one of England's greatest makers. Joseph Windmills was admitted as a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1671, and in 1702 succeeded Thomas Tompion as Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, confirming his position among the foremost horologists of his generation. His work is represented in important public collections, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, where a closely related marquetry longcase clock remains in the King's Bedchamber. Combining museum-quality craftsmanship, exceptional originality, and outstanding provenance, this clock represents one of the finest examples of late seventeenth-century English longcase clockmaking to appear on the market. Maker Joseph Windmills (c.1640–1724) Origin London, England Period William & Mary Period, circa 1690 Materials Walnut, Floral Marquetry, Brass, Steel, Glass Movement Original eight-day movement with six pillars, striking on a bell. Dial Original 11-inch brass dial with silvered chapter ring, subsidiary seconds dial, date aperture, and signed "J. Windmills, London." Original Components Original movement Original pendulum Original brass weights Original animal-gut weight cords Working condition Dimensions Height: 86.6 in (220 cm) Width: 16.5 in (42 cm) Depth: 9.1 in (23 cm) Provenance Private Collection, Madrid, Spain. Condition Excellent antique condition with an exceptional degree of originality. The clock retains its original movement, pendulum, brass weights, and rare original animal-gut weight cords. The movement is in working order. Minor wear, restorations, and patina are consistent with over three centuries of age and careful preservation. Keywords: Florin Antiques. See less