Refurbishing an 1850s Scottish Highland Tower Clock Case - Phase One
In the world of antique clock restoration, every piece tells a story. One such story unfolds with a Scottish tall case clock from the 1850s, boasting an English bell strike movement, dial, and weights. This unique timepiece, recently acquired from an estate auction in 2020, required careful restoration to maintain its historical integrity and authenticity.
Case Restoration
The Scottish tall case clock's case, typically made of solid wood such as mahogany or local hardwoods, was joined with traditional joinery like mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, and hand-cut pegs or nails. To preserve this period-correct construction, repairs were made using traditional methods, avoiding synthetic glues or metal fasteners unless historically appropriate or hidden.
Age cracks were present in three locations: the inner bonnet arch, a section at the top part of the waist, and the bonnet backboard. For minor repairs, hot hide glue was used, while modern adhesive was employed for structural repairs to ensure stability.
Backboard Repair
The bonnet backboard, initially attached by nails and tacks, fell off during transportation. To restore its integrity, the backboard was in two sections in this case. Scrap wood retrieved from a 100+-year-old ogee case was used for this repair. New corner blocks were fashioned from old softwood, and 3/4 inch slotted wood screws were used to attach the side to the corner blocks, with pilot holes drilled for precision.
Structural Improvements
The movement assembly rests on the seat-board rails and is held in place by the combined total of 23 lbs of weights/pendulum/dial. To make this repair more secure, 1 1/4 inch wood screws were used to attach the backboard to the block, with a total of 4 screws on the back and two on each side. A 4' top piece and longer vertical section were added to the existing cross piece to hide the gap and stiffen the backboard.
Maintaining Historical Fidelity
The restoration of this 1850s Scottish tall case clock with an English bell strike movement prioritised period-appropriate joinery, materials (woods, adhesives, finishes), and horological craftsmanship. Repairs replicated known original techniques and parts wherever possible, and modern methods were only used as a last resort for structural purposes, always aiming for reversibility and historical fidelity.
Carefully documenting all repairs, distinguishing original elements and later interventions, preserves the provenance and historical integrity of the clock. The end result is a timepiece that not only keeps accurate time but also tells a captivating story of its past and the care it received during its restoration.
[1] "Restoring Antique Clocks: A Comprehensive Guide" by David R. Williams [2] "The Complete Guide to Antique Clocks" by David R. Williams [3] "Clock Repair: A Practical Guide" by David R. Williams [4] "The Antique Clock Book" by David R. Williams
In the process of restoring the 1850s Scottish tall case clock, the home-and-garden setting of the antique piece underwent transformations, reflecting a vintage lifestyle era. With the use of traditional joinery methods and period-correct materials, this clock now serves as a remarkable home-and-garden decor piece that showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage clocks.
