Clocks, Domestic, General Bracket clock, English, c 1706

Clocks, Domestic, General Bracket clock, English, c 1706. This bracket clock was made by Thomas Tompion and Edward Banger. Tompion (1639-1713) was one of the greatest of English clockmakers. During the period 1701 to 1708, he took into partnership his nephew by marriage, Edward Banger, and their joint works were of the same high quality as those produced by Tompion on his own. This particular bracket clock is a fine and typical example of their work. Their signature: 'Tho. Tompion Edw. Banger Londini Fecit' is above the main dial. The small dial on the right is marked N and S with a single hand: when the hand is set to S the clock will strike the hours; when set to N it will not strike. The timekeeping is controlled by a pendulum through a verge escapment and a 'mock' pendulum can be seen through an opening in the dial. ©SSPL/Science Museum