Mahogany longcase clock with a single-sheet silvered brass dial
by James Howden of Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been a center for clockmaking since the 15th century, and produced clocks equal to London work both technically and stylistically. In the 18th and 19th centuries, well-made, distinctively Scottish clocks were a major industry.

Case: The slim, elegantly proportioned Edinburgh case was made with well-figured veneers; its clean lines and restrained decoration set off the silvered dial. The hood uses blind fretwork below the high scrolled pediment, and fluted columns. The brass finial is a replacement. The trunk's long shaped door is flanked by canted, fluted quarter-columns. Feet are straight bracket form with the rear feet replaced. The finish is a recent polish, with the old color and patina nicely retained.

Dial: The 12" single piece silvered brass dial is lavishly engraved with foliage termin- ating in eagles' heads in the spandrel corners; hippocampi (horse-fish hybrids who were the messengers of Poseidon) appear in the corners of the dial arch. The standard dial features of chapter ring, date and seconds are engraved, not applied. So, too, is the Strike/ Silent ring in the arch. Hands are blued steel. Howden's name is misspelled "Howdon" by the engraver.

Movement: James Howden's 4-pillar, 8-day movement is of conventional design, but features a silencing mechanism for the hourly strike. Escapement is anchor recoil, and the weights are lead. The pendulum features a paint decorated bob, in the Scottish taste.

Maker: James Howden, apprenticed to James Cowan, Edinburgh's most famous 18th century clockmaker, was free in 1775 and became a well-known craftsman and established 3 generations of clockmakers in the area. He died in 1810, leaving the business to James Jr. and his brother William, a silversmith.

Circa 1790- 1800
7' 3" High

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