William Alexander of Glasgow, Scotland. A round dial tall clock. 211044.
This very attractive mahogany case tall clock was made in Glasgow, Scotland. The engraved brass dial is signed by the clockmaker, “Wm. Alexander.” William Alexander is listed in Donald Whyte’s, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of Scotland. William is listed as serving his apprentice to Francis Ried and then to John Todd. He was admitted as a burgess and a guild brother of Glasgow, as a jeweler, and by purchase, on 5 Feb. 1835, and a freeman of the Incorporation of Hammermen on 28 August 1835. He is listed as a watchmaker & silversmith and takes on a son, William Alexander & Son, by 1855. In 1860, they were listed as clockmakers, watchmakers, jewelers & goldsmiths at 3 Gordon Street by 1855. The Scottish city of Glasgow is located on the River Clyde in the country’s western-central lowlands. The Capital city of Edinburgh is approximately 42 miles to the east.
This round dial case form was produced in the UK for many years. The round dial format, often called a “Drum Head,” was first introduced in England in the 1760s. These early examples featured sheet brass dials and very conservative cases. This example represents one of the more developed or mature forms produced in some quantity in Scotland cities such as Glasgow after 1840.
This fine example exhibits the fully developed form. This includes excellent mahogany wood selections that are used throughout the case design. The case stands on four carved feet that are applied to a broad base molding. The base is slightly tapered, narrowing as one moves upward. The front corners are canted, and decorative moldings are applied to the lower section of the canted surfaces. A carved medallion is applied to the center of the base panel. The waist section is long and continues to taper towards the bonnet. This tapering accentuates the narrow proportions of the case. This section also features canted corners, applied decorative carvings, and pillow-shaped moldings. The waist door is fitted with a large glass panel and is framed with fancy three-dimensional moldings. Through the glass in the door, one can view the two brass-covered weights and the large brass-covered pendulum bob. The bonnet follows the form of a circular dial. It is decorated with numerous applied moldings and carvings. The addition of this decorative feature sets this model apart from the more reserved and early forms. The bonnet door opens to a fourteen-inch circular dial.
This brass dial is richly engraved with floral patterns and has been silvered. The Maker signs the dial along with his working location in the banners. This time track displays Roman-style hour markers. A subsidiary seconds dial, and a calendar dial are positioned inside the time track. The steel hands are nicely formed. The hour hand features a flier d’ leaf in the circular section.
The movement is brass. It is a time-and-strike design, striking the hour on a coiled gong. It is weight-powered and should be wound every seven days. The escapement is a deadbeat design, positively tracking the seconds. It is of excellent quality.
This very pretty clock was made circa 1845. It is approximately 7 feet 3 inches tall.
Inventory number 211044.
