Robert Smith Of North Berwick, UK. A tall case clock.

This is a fine mahogany long case clock with painted dial signed \Richard Smith \/ North Berwick.\" Richard Smith is listed in Brian Loomes Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World. He is listed as working High Street 1830 - 1860. Robert was the son of Andrew Smith of Prestonpans Scotland who is also listed as a clockmaker. The town of North Berwick is in Northumberland and is located on the Fife on Firth of Forth. This is east of the capital city of Edinburgh.

This mahogany case clock is a very manageable size and exhibits good proportions and outstanding mahogany wood selections. The case form reflects a later style and exhibits a number of Empire moldings. The wood used in the construction is richly grained mahogany and mahogany veneers. The modern finish is wonderful and accentuates the grain patterns exhibited in the wood.

The case stands up on four cut out bracket feet. The base frames and centers a crotch veneered inset panel. It is trimmed with a molding. The waist section is fitted with a slightly convex shaped waist door. The peaked molding at the top is applied to the waist section and stays in place when one opens the door. The sides of the waist are fitted with fully turned columns that terminate in wooden turn capitals. These columns are smoothly turned. Shaped moldings are position in between the waist moldings. The bonnet features a swan's neck pediment that terminates in brass rosettes. This center a single brass finial that is mounted on a plinth. The bonnet columns are also turned and nicely shaped. This is a nice detail. The bonnet door is fitted with glass.

The time and strike movement is brass, eight-day duration and of excellent quality. This movement is designed to strike each hour on a cast iron bell. It is powered by two weights.

The painted iron dial is signed by the Clockmaker. It is fully paint decorated. In the arch is a lovely scene. A large castle is set at the crest of a hill.

This clock stands approximately 7 feet 2.5 inches tall. It was made circa 1855.