Thomas Middlemass of Edinburgh, Scotland. A quarter-striking bracket in an inlaid mahogany case. 219086.

This is a beautiful inlaid mahogany case bracket clock with a brass composite dial signed by the Maker, "MIDDLEMASS, EDINBURGH." Thomas Middlemass is listed as a Clock and Watchmaker in Donald Whyte's Clockmakers & Watchmakers of Scotland. Thomas was born about 1830. His Brother Archibald was also a clockmaker. Thomas is listed as having two locations in Edinburgh. From 1860 through 1872, his shop was located at 5 Spittal Street. In 1873, he relocated to 11 Lothian Road and worked there until 1900.

The case is constructed in mahogany and is nicely decorated with fanciful inlay patterns. Many of which accent the shape of the domed-top-shaped case form. This case stands on four finely detailed ogee bracket feet. These are applied to the bottom of the case and feature a relaxed design. The base molding features a broad flat facing before it transitions to a shaped molding. This flat facing is decorated with a decorative inlay pattern. This treatment is also repeated on the side of the case. Above this is another section that is decorated with inlay. The central theme is a conch shell framed with quarter fans and satinwood banding. Two-line inlaid circles frame that brass bezel. The sides of the case feature panels decorated with a pierced fretwork pattern backed in silk. These panels are designed to allow the quarter striking mechanism's sound to escape the case's interior more efficiently. Above these panels is a brass-mounted carrying handle on each side. The brass bezel is cast and is fitted with beveled glass. This acts like a door and opens to access the dial. Through the glass, one can view the clock's dial.e

The dial is brass. It features a gilt matte center. An applied chapter ring is formatted with Roman-style hour numerals, Arabic-style five-minute markers, a closed minute ring, and fleur-de-lis decorations between the hours. This chapter ring is treated with a silver wash for contrast. The time is indicated by the black steel hands decorated with elongated fleur-de-lis. The three-train fusee movement is designed to run eight days on a full wind, strike each hour on a large coil gong, and strike each quarter hour on a series of four graduated coil gongs. It strikes the Westminster sequence, and the sound is excellent. The movement is heavy and well-made. The construction is typical of English / Scottish production.

This clock measures approximately 21 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 10.25 inches deep.

This clock was made circa 1895.

Inventory number 219086.