Antique Scottish wall clock by James Muirhead
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This antique wall clock is attributed to the Scottish maker James Muirhead, who operated from 90 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. Dated to approximately 1870, the clock features an oak case measuring 70 cm in height, embellished with geometric and carved motifs.
The 31 cm diameter dial is silvered with engraved details, displaying Roman numerals, a sub-seconds dial, and the manufacturer's name and address. A circular aperture positioned beneath the twelve o'clock marker provides a direct view of the jeweled platform escapement. The movement is mechanical, utilizing a fusee drive with its original chain for constant force regulation. The escapement is an English lever type mounted on a jeweled platform, incorporating a maintaining power mechanism.
The clock is constructed with heavy brass plates and machined components. The auction description reports the original condition of the fusee chain, while noting that the operational status and service history are unconfirmed.
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
- circa 1870
- Type
- Wall clock
- Maker
- James Muirhead
- Escapement
- English lever on a jeweled platform
- Case Height
- 70 cm
- Drive System
- Fusee with original chain
- Case Material
- Oak
- Dial Diameter
- 31 cm
- Place recorded
- Scotland
- Maker / attribution
- James Muirhead
Design
- Case and Dial
- The wall clock is housed in an oak case characterized by carved decorative motifs and geometric detailing. It measures 70 centimeters in total height. The exterior design focuses on a substantial frame around the clock face, integrating various sculptured elements consistent with the aesthetic of the period. The 31-centimeter diameter dial is crafted from metal with a matte silvered finish and fine engravings. Roman numerals indicate the hours, supplemented by a sub-seconds dial. A notable feature of the dial is a circular aperture situated directly below the twelve o'clock position, which exposes the movement's platform escapement to the viewer.
- Visible features
- • The oak case features detailed carvings and geometric flourishes. • A silvered dial includes a visible balance platform aperture at the 12 o'clock position. • The mechanical movement utilizes a fusee drive with an original chain. • Engraving on the dial reads 'James Muirhead', '90 Buchanan Street', and 'Glasgow'.
- Movement and Escapement
- The mechanical movement is a fusee design, equipped with its original chain to maintain consistent driving force. This mechanism is constructed with thick brass plates, reflecting the construction standards of the Scottish maker. The system also includes a maintaining power feature to ensure timekeeping continues during the winding process. The escapement is an English lever type mounted on a jeweled platform. This configuration, visible through the dial's aperture, combines structural durability with functional precision. The source specifies that the platform utilizes jewels to reduce friction within the escapement assembly.
- Provenance and Condition
- The clock is identified as the work of James Muirhead, whose business was located at 90 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. The production is dated to circa 1870. The historical record emphasizes the maker's identification and his operational base in Scotland during the late nineteenth century. The auction description reports that the fusee chain is original to the clock. However, the source provides no details regarding the object's current ability to keep accurate daily time or when it was last serviced. Prospective owners are encouraged to have the chain tension, jewel integrity, and gear lubrication inspected by a qualified specialist.
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: The operational accuracy and daily timekeeping functionality are not verified in the source.
- Research required: The clock's internal condition, including the lubrication of the gear train and potential wear, is not confirmed.