Montlow longcase
I recently acquired an early English grandfather clock that may be of interest. If nothing more, it shows that even in the backwaters of America you occasionally can find an interesting clock. The clock has a 30-hour works with one hand, a 10in dial with C&W No 5 spandrels, and is made by Henry Montlow or Mowtlow of London with the signature at the base of the dial plate. The works appears to be completely orginal including the weight and pendulum except for the shim on the back of the countwheel. Attached are pictures of the clock pre-restoration which I have not yet had the time to begin. Unfortunately the case, while old, is a replacement probably dating from 1780.
The clock was purchased at an antique car auction in Turlock, California, where the car collector had also gathered a number of clocks of which this was the best find. I was able to get it quite cheaply since almost all of the people in attendance were unfamiliar with English clocks. I had the good fortune to have lived in England for four years and collected a number of clocks there including a John Martin late 17th century grandfather as well as a Thomas Lister the younger 30-hour grandfather plus several others. In total I have a collection of over 100 American, German, English and French clocks—with even one from China. However the English clocks have always been my favourite. I have also been subscribing to Clocks magazine since 1979 and look forward to each new issue.
From my reference books it appears the Montlow was apprenticed in 1678 and worked from 1685 to 1710 with several spellings of his last name. I estimate the clock was made in the 1685-1690 timeframe but I would appreciate readers’ opinions on the date. Any other information you have about this maker would be most appreciated.
I have one last question — is it more appropriate to house the clock in the case as I found it or have a new one made from the correct time period? I am leaning towards the latter but advice would be most appreciated.
Al Stevens, USA
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