an exceptional eight day regulator longcase clock by alexander and son of glasgow, circa 1865

William Alexander is well recorded in Clockmakers and Watchmakers of Scotland where he is listed as "Watchmaker, jeweller and goldsmith", so possibly this fantastic clock would have been for his own use in the retail shop to regulate the clocks and watches he sold. We have several adresses for this maker spanning some 70 years, but when this clock was made the shop address was 3 Gordon Street, Glasgow. William was apprenticed to Francis Reid who was arguably Scotland's finest maker. Being apprenticed to him was the best possible launch into a clockmaking career.

The Escapement
The clock has a most unusual set of dead-beat pallets that have a joining bar giving rigidity, something we have not previously seen. Please see photographs taken during the restoration. Dead beat was used on the highest quality regulators as it has no recoil and is therefore more accurate.The Movemnent and Dial
The substantial movement has massively over-engineered pillars which are screwed rather than pinned. The plates are most attractively shaped towards the top. There is a high pinion count and all wheels are six spoke. The small weight is polished brass and contains lead. The pendulum has a glass jar for mercury which we have changed to a lead slug as mercury has some risks in transport. It could, however, be refilled with mercury if the purchaser wishes and we have mercury to carry this out. There is, however, little difference in timekeeping unless the clock is subjected to wild variations in temperature. The dial has typical regulator layout with three separate dials showing seconds and hours in two subsidiary dials and minutes around the main chapter ring. The dial is beautifully engraved. Time is indicated with the original steel hands of simple spade form.The Case
To house this amazing movement, the clock has a case made from the finest flame mahogany, and the colour and patination are both superb. Wherever possible the maker has book-matched the veneers to great effect. The mouldings are ebonized to give a most attractive contrast to the mahogany. The glazed front allows the weight and pendulum to be seen. Mounted on the backboard is the original mirror. The price includes delivery and setting up anywhere in the UK.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: AGCRTBUAK

Maker/Artist:

Alexander and Son, Glasgow

Materials:

Mahogany, brass, steel

Width (cm):

55

Height (cm):

198

Depth (cm):

30

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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J. and R. Norman Antiques

We have been antique dealers since 1974 and specialize in antique clocks, especially longcases, but also bracket, carriage and wall clocks. For many years we sourced clocks for a world-renowned clock specialist and author of books about clocks, who has now retired. We carry out restoration on pre-1860 clocks. We are also the largest dealers in 19th century stereoscopic photography in the world. We are a family business and are fortunate in having three generations working - aged from 22 to 75!

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