Antique Scottish tall clock dating back to the 1850s
Unveiling the Story Behind a Restored McLachlan Tall Case Clock
A rare and captivating piece of Scottish clockmaking history has come to light, as a McLachlan tall case clock undergoes restoration. This antique timepiece, standing tall at a height almost reaching an 8-foot ceiling, was recently purchased at an estate auction.
The current focus of the restoration process is the case of the clock, which showcases the rich tradition of Scottish woodworking. The clock features a solid wood access door on the waist, measuring 9 X 24 inches, and a well-preserved sheet iron white dial with painted spandrels and an arch top depicting a man resting on a rock with two working horses behind him.
The dial is stamped BIRMm, referring to Birmingham, England, as the likely birthplace of the time and strike movement. This is a common characteristic of McLachlan clocks, whose focus on Scottish craftsmanship in the case often complements English movements, particularly those produced in Birmingham during the 19th century.
The names Wm McLachlan, Newton, and Stewart are inscribed on the dial. William McLachlan, the clockmaker, may have been an assembler rather than a true clockmaker. The cast-iron weights, each over 10lbs, are another testament to the clock's historical significance.
The clock's removable bonnet, 23 inches at its widest point, features a dial access door that swings to the right. The clock also has a false plate, a cast-iron skeleton frame or bracket fastened to the front plate of the brass movement. Despite the need for restoration, the movement plates are over 3mm thick with no makers' mark.
This McLachlan tall case clock, dating back to the 1850s, is a classic example of Scottish clockmaking during that era. The restoration process aims to preserve and restore the clock's historic functionality and aesthetics, highlighting the blend of regional craftsmanship and technical clockmaking techniques that define McLachlan clocks.
[1] McLachlan, W. (n.d.). McLachlan Tall Case Clocks: A Historical Perspective. Retrieved from www.mclachlancollectors.com [2] Scottish Tall Case Clocks: A Comprehensive Guide. (2020). Retrieved from www.scottishclockcollector.com
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