A. Gardner Scottish Tall Case Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th century
This tall case clock is signed by A. Gardner of Slamannan, Scotland, and dates to the late 19th century. The clock features a case constructed from burled mahogany with a decorative eagle finial surmounting an arched bonnet.
The painted arched dial incorporates a scene labeled "Come Under My Plaidie," accompanied by four allegorical corner depictions representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The clock is accompanied by a pendulum, two weights, and a later winding key. As reported by the auction description, the works have not been tested. The exterior of the case exhibits several signs of wear including nicks, scuffs, and structural cracks, particularly on the sides and back, alongside veneer losses and minor assembly issues.
The dial shows signs of age-related degradation including crazing, paint loss, and markings. The overall dimensions of the object are 88 1/2 inches in height, 21 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- Late 19th century
- Type
- Tall case clock
- Maker
- A. Gardner
- Weight
- 80 lbs
- Location
- Slamannan, Scotland
- Materials
- Burled mahogany and brass
- Dimensions
- 88 1/2 inches H x 21 inches W x 10 inches D
- Place recorded
- Scotland
- Included components
- Pendulum, two weights, and key
- Maker / attribution
- A. Gardner
Design
- Visible features
- • Painted dial with allegorical corner figures • Eagle-shaped finial at the top of the bonnet • Burled mahogany case construction • Safety pin attached to the top of the pendulum
- Dial and Ornamentation
- The clock features an arched, painted dial. The arch is decorated with a scene titled "Come Under My Plaidie." The four corners of the dial display allegorical depictions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The maker's name and location are signed directly onto the dial. The dial surface displays signs of wear and age, specifically reported as crazing, marks, and paint losses.
- Movement and Condition
- The movement is located within the tall case, accompanied by a pendulum, two weights, and a later winding key. A safety pin is currently attached to the top of the pendulum. The auction description states that the works have not been tested. Consequently, the functional status of the timepiece remains unverified. No information regarding the escapement or gear train is provided.
- Case Construction and Design
- The clock is housed in a tall case constructed from burled mahogany. The bonnet features an arched profile topped with a brass eagle finial. The overall structural integrity is compromised by several issues reported by the auction description, including cracks to the wood on the left and right sides of the case, a split on the back of the case, and separation on the bottom right side. Additional physical conditions include nicks and scuffs throughout the wood, as well as nicks and chips to the feet. The bonnet does not sit flush against the case, and there are small veneer losses to the bottom of the bonnet door. The glass on the door of the bonnet is reported to be cracked.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Operational state of the movement remains untested
- Research required: Extent and history of the reported crack repair on the right side of the case are unknown