English Lantern Clock from the Ottoman Empire, 1730

A fine 18th century English brass and iron lantern clock. Signature: William Kipling, London The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as an alarm and is driven by lead weights. The front fret is richly decorated. The corners and the top of the dial are richly decorated. Unusually the side frets are engraved too. This lantern clock for the Ottoman Empire was created by London clockmaker William Kipling, for the Ottoman Empire, which in the 17th century encompassed most of Eastern Europe, along with parts of Asia and areas around the Mediterranean, including North Africa. A handful of London clock makers, including William Kipling, specialized in clocks for this export market. Lantern clocks were particularly popular in these areas. The clocks, including this one, were provided with so-called Turkish numerals; a form of classical Arabic that was known throughout most of the Ottoman Empire. Much is known about the maker, William Kipling. Born in Northern England in 1680 or 1681, he was apprenticed to clockmaker Thomas Johnson, London in 1695. In 1702 Kipling finished his education and remained in the service of his master for three more years. From 1705 he was self-employed as a clockmaker until, circa 1742. His workshop was located at Broad Street, Ratcliffe Cross, London. Source: Brian Loomes Measures: High 36 cm, wide 26 cm, depth 18 cm.