A highly unusual and substantial English sterling silver miniature lantern clock by the Douglas Clock Company, hallmarked Birmingham, 1901. The clock is deliberately modelled after the English lantern clocks of the 17th century, translating the characteristic form of these early domestic clocks into sterling silver on a charming miniature scale. The design incorporates the familiar architectural features of the lantern clock: four corner pillars, prominent turned finials, ball feet and a large domed bell surmounting the case. The front is particularly impressive, with an extensively hand-engraved silver dial and surround. Bold black Roman numerals mark the hours, enclosed by a decorative minute track, while the centre and surrounding spandrels are richly engraved with scrolling foliate ornament. A pair of ornate black steel hands completes the dial. The polished silver dome above recalls the bell traditionally found on 17th-century striking lantern clocks, while the exaggerated corner finials and columnar construction further reference the distinctive architectural character of the early English originals. Unlike its 17th-century predecessors, however, this Edwardian interpretation incorporates a considerably more modern and practical full-plate French eight-day movement. The substantial movement is stamped “FRENCH MOVEMENT” and fitted with a platform escapement, allowing the clock to run without a pendulum. It is wound and regulated from the rear, behind the hinged silver door. The sterling silver case bears the sponsor's mark D.C.Co for the Douglas Clock Company, together with the Birmingham anchor, lion passant for sterling silver and date letter for 1901. The Douglas Clock Company was operating in Birmingham by the late 1890s and is recorded at 32 Frederick Street, Birmingham. Its early silver work carries the D.C.Co mark, recorded between 1897 and 1903. Following incorporation, the later Douglas Clock Co Ltd mark was registered in 1904, placing this clock firmly within the company's early period. Douglas specialised in decorative clocks combining finely made English silver cases with Continental movements. Surviving examples include silver travelling and bedside clocks, miniature longcase clocks and more elaborate mantel clocks. This example is particularly appealing for its ambitious recreation of the traditional English lantern clock, one of the most recognisable forms of early English domestic clockmaking. A wonderful piece of Edwardian historicism, combining the appearance of a 17th-century English lantern clock with the convenience of an eight-day French movement and the craftsmanship of the Birmingham silver trade. 15cm High by 7cm Wide and 7cm Deep