A Fine George III Mahogany Longcase Clock. Circa 1795.
Amongst the finest Edinburgh clockmakers of the late eighteenth century, James Howden produced clocks of exceptional quality, combining restrained Scottish elegance with movements of remarkable refinement. Apprenticed to the distinguished James Cowan and a contemporary of the celebrated Thomas Reid, Howden’s work displays a confidence and attention to detail that firmly places him amongst the leading makers of his generation.
This particularly handsome longcase clock, dating from around 1795, is housed in a beautifully proportioned mahogany case, delicately banded and line inlaid with boxwood throughout. The trunk door is of the classic Edinburgh pattern with its distinctive “moustache” shaped top, whilst the hood retains its original finely turned brass bezel, beautifully preserved with its rich gold lacquer finish. The case stands on elegant bracket feet and is surmounted by a finial block supported by finely carved “C” scrolls, creating a restrained yet imposing architectural presence.
The 13-inch cream painted dial is confidently signed simply “Howden, Edinburgh”, reflecting the reputation the maker had established by the close of the eighteenth century. The layout is both elegant and practical, incorporating a polished brass concentric date hand that offers excellent legibility, together with the unusual refinement of a discreet strike/silent selection lever positioned above the XII. These subtle features speak of a clock commissioned for a sophisticated household, where convenience was expected but never allowed to intrude upon the symmetry of the design.
The substantial eight-day movement is finished to the standard one would expect from a maker of Howden’s standing. It is regulated by a large brass bob pendulum fitted with an engraved silvered rating nut, allowing precise adjustment whilst adding another touch of quality. Throughout, the movement displays the careful craftsmanship and thoughtful refinement that characterise Edinburgh’s finest horological work of the period.
Overall, this is an exceptionally attractive and original Scottish longcase clock by one of Edinburgh’s foremost makers, fitted to an elegant untouched case, a refined and beautifully engineered movement, and numerous original features that have survived remarkably well over more than two centuries.
It is a particular pleasure to be able to offer this clock once again, having sold it over twenty years ago. Few pieces remain memorable for so long, and it is immensely satisfying to see such a fine example return to the gallery in the same honest and well-preserved condition that first attracted my attention all those years ago.
