James Wood Regulator Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This 8-day weight-driven regulator longcase clock is attributed to the maker James Wood, Glasgow, and is dated circa 1850. The clock stands at a height of 208 cm (82 inches) and is housed within a case featuring flame mahogany veneer with a glazed trunk door to allow viewing of the pendulum.
It incorporates a 10-inch round silvered dial, which is engraved and signed 'James Wood Glasgow'. The dial layout includes both Roman and Arabic numerals, consistent with regulator-style timekeeping. The internal movement features a dead-beat escapement and maintaining power, paired with a mercury-compensated pendulum.
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 1850
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Maker
- James Wood
- Height
- 208 cm
- Pendulum
- Mercury-compensated
- Dial size
- 10 inches
- Escapement
- Dead-beat
- Provenance
- Private collection, UK
- Place recorded
- Scotland
- Maker / attribution
- James Wood
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial is engraved 'James Wood' on the left and 'Glasgow' on the right. • The trunk door is glazed, exposing the mercury pendulum and weights. • The case displays figured flame mahogany veneer throughout. • The movement is weight-driven, with weights suspended inside the trunk.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is housed in a longcase constructed with a flame mahogany veneer. The hood features a simple architectural pediment, housing a 10-inch round silvered dial protected by a glazed bezel. The dial is engraved with the maker's signature, 'James Wood Glasgow', and utilizes a regulator layout featuring both Roman and Arabic numerals. The trunk of the case incorporates a large glazed door, which provides a view into the interior of the clock, specifically the suspension of the weights and the mercury-compensated pendulum.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The clock is attributed to the Glasgow maker James Wood, with an estimated date of manufacture circa 1850. The seller lists the provenance as originating from a private collection within the United Kingdom. The seller also notes that the object is currently held in stock.
- Movement and Horological Features
- The movement is described as an 8-day, weight-driven mechanism. It is designed as a regulator, utilizing a dead-beat escapement to ensure consistent timekeeping. Maintaining power is also included in the movement design, which allows the clock to continue running during the winding process. Precision is further facilitated by the use of a mercury-compensated pendulum, which is intended to counteract the effects of temperature changes on the pendulum rod length. The internal components are visible through the glazed trunk door of the case.
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 'circa 1850' dating is an attribution provided by the seller.
- Research required: The specific technical components of the movement (dead-beat escapement) are described by the seller but not explicitly photographed in internal detail.