276.          $500

J Douglas of Galston Scotland tall case clock, ca. 1800.  John Douglas was a Master Clockmaker, born in 1759; he moved to Galston around 1800 and died there in 1833.  Galston is in western Scotland, south of Glasgow and near Kilmarnock.  Painted white dials began to replace brass dials around 1875 and were typically simple designs, with Roman numerals.  Around 1800 pastoral scenes, as found here, became popular on dials.  Arabic numbers became popular in the early 1800’s as well, so this dial represents the transition to more complex painted dials that occurred in the early 1800’s.  I suspect this dial has been extensively restored, and some relettering of the smaller dials is evident. The fine pewter hands are likely modern replacements.   The dial fits perfectly in the case opening, making them a good match.  The 87-inch walnut case (with the brass eagle on globe finial) has an old finish that could be original.  There is banded inlay at the top, simple columns flanking the door with old/original glass, chamfered, fluted edges on the trunk and a simple door and nonworking latch.  The undecorated base sits on four turned feet that are old.  The brass 8-day, time-and-strike movement is unmarked, driven by two 12-lb iron weights and a restored pendulum.  It is running strongly and striking on an overhead bell.  I take very few tall case clocks, but this one I requested.  Hope you like it too.  $500–$1500.

Delivery to the eastern half of the US for $450, or to an NAWCC meeting for $50.