Rare late 17th/early 18th Century Italian brass and iron lantern or chamber clock with six-hour dial, circa 1700, the 4.25-inch Roman dial with fleur-de-lis half hour divisions, in a quarter hour track and matted centre with iron or steel single hand, the movement with verge and crown wheel escapement, count wheel-striking on a bell, the architectural case with ring-turned spire finials and posted iron frame, sold with two small cylindrical bob weights and two larger, later wooden bracket and glass dome, the clock 22.5cm high From the Italian Renaissance, the division of the day into four six-hour sections, with day beginning at sunset, allowed for more accurate time keeping. This system was used particularly in the Papal States until the Napoleonic invasion of Italy following the French Revolution when the twelve-hour system was introduced. The Italian system also conformed to Canonical hours, with Evening Prayers commencing the day. Most bells on clocks of this type are iron and are smaller/deeper than the current example, therefore this maybe an old replacement. The mechanism appears otherwise in good order but is untested and sold as seen. Later bracket and dome as catalogued. We do not guarantee the movement or accuracy of clocks - Please see extra images and TELEPHONE department if you require further information.