JOSEPH WINDMILLS LONDON - A Rare 17th Century 8-Day Walnut Longcase

A rare 8-Day walnut longcase by the famous, 17th century London maker, Joseph Windmills

Joseph Windmills was made a Free Brother in the Clockmakers’ Company in September 1671. He was a prolific maker with large workshops and numerous apprentices after 1687 in Tower Street.

He was appointed Warden of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1699 and became Master in 1702. By 1714 he had gone into partnership with his son Thomas.

This particular longcase has a top quality 8 Day duration movement, with a fine quality walnut veneered case. The walnut veneered hood is flanked by walnut columns with gilt wooden capitals and bases and there is a delicate sound fret below the cross grain walnut cornice moulding.

The 12 inch square brass dial is mounted with cherub and foliate spandrels, silvered chapter ring and a subsidiary seconds ring below XII. The centre is finely matted with ringed winding holes and there is an aperture to view the date. The maker’s signature is engraved between VII and V on the chapter ring and the well pierced and blued steel hands may well be original.

Date: circa 1695-1700
Height with cresting : 87 inches (221 cm)
Height without cresting: 80 ¾ inches(205 cm)

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance