Thomas Reid of Edinburgh, Scotland. Bracket clock. 222103.

This is a handsome Scottish bracket (or table clock) made by Thomas Reid of Edinburgh circa 1800.

The Bracket clock form was designed to be placed on tables, chests of draws, or other suitable furniture. Many examples were costly, exceeding the price of a tall case clock. These clocks have spring-driven movements that incorporate a fusee in the train. The fusee maintains the spring's power delivery evenly throughout the week. These components were costly to make and required specialized skills.

This fine example is a diminutive size. This break-arch form is 15 inches tall. The hardwood case retains its original ebonized surface. The case is elevated on four cast brass ogee-shaped feet. The tombstone-shaped door is lined with a brass interior framing. The front corners of the case are also fitted with brass rods. Domed-shaped viewing windows are located on each side of the case. All four openings, including the rear door, are equipped with glass panels. Four cast brass spire finials are positioned in the upper corners of the case. A brass carrying handle is mounted to the top.

The front door opens to access the clock dial. This iron dial is painted. The four spandrel areas are decorated with gold-painted florals. The closed minute ring features diamonds at each of the five-minute positions. Roman-style numerals mark each hour. The time is displayed by brass Breguet-style hands. The Clockmaker's name is signed in the arch. It reads " Reid / Edinburgh." A floral wreath circles the Maker's name.

The rear door provides access to the mechanism. Two large rectangular-shaped plates are supported by four turned posts. The plates support the hardened steel shafts and fitted brass gearing. This is a two-train or time & strike design. It strikes the hour on a bell that is mounted on a stand and positioned above the works. The escapement is a recoil. The trains incorporate fusee cones which help equalize the power from the two robust coil drive springs. The backplate is engraved. The engraved border of the backplate is a nice detail. The Clockmaker's full name and working location are beautifully engraved in script lettering across the middle. This reads, "Thomas Reid / Edinburgh / 1800."

Thomas Reid was born in Dysart, Scotland, in 1746. He apprenticed with his cousin James Cowan of Edinburgh and began working in London in 1770. Thomas returned to Edinburgh in 1781 when he heard James Cowan died. Cowan had been in business in excess of thirty years. Thomas Reid advertisement in the Edinburgh Evening Courant on November 28, 1781: "Thomas Reid, Clock and Watchmaker, from London, takes this method of informing the friends and customers of the deceased Mr. James Cowan, Clock and Watchmaker in Edinburgh, that he continues the business 1 in the same shops formerly. As T. Reid was cousin and apprentice to Mr. Cowan, and has for eleven years resided in London, where after having received the instructions of the first masters in that profession, did carry on business and was employed in the execution of the first-rate work there, he makes no doubt giving entire satisfaction to his employers." In 1806, Thomas partnered with William Auld as Reid & Auld. This partnership was synonymous with high-class work. Thomas retired in 1823 and died in 1831. Thomas Reid wrote 'Treatise On Clock & Watchmaking' in 1826. Also, the article 'Horology' in the Edinburgh encyclopedia.

This clock was made circa 1890. It is approximately 17 inches tall, with the handle in the upright position. This clock is 11 inches wide and 7.75 inches deep when measured at the feet.

Inventory number 222103.