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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

A. Gardner Scottish Tall Case Clock

Partially verified

This tall case clock is signed by A. Gardner of Slamannan, Scotland, and dates to the late 19th century. The clock features a case constructed from burled mahogany with a decorative eagle finial surmounting an arched bonnet. The painted arched dial incorporates a scene labeled "Come Under My Plaidie," accompanied by four allegorical corner depictions representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The clock is accompanied by a pendulum, two weights, and a later winding key. As reported by the auction description, the works have not been tested. The exterior of the case exhibits several signs of wear including nicks, scuffs, and structural cracks, particularly on the sides and back, alongside veneer losses and minor assembly issues. The dial shows signs of age-related degradation including crazing, paint loss, and markings. The overall dimensions of the object are 88 1/2 inches in height, 21 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth.

Full view of the A. Gardner tall case clock featuring a painted dial and burled mahogany case.
Full view of the A. Gardner tall case clock featuring a painted dial and burled mahogany case. — Willow Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
A. Gardner
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
49
Source-reported date
Late 19th century
Source-reported place
Scotland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Design

The clock is housed in a tall case constructed from burled mahogany. The bonnet features an arched profile topped with a brass eagle finial. The overall structural integrity is compromised by several issues reported by the auction description, including cracks to the wood on the left and right sides of the case, a split on the back of the case, and separation on the bottom right side.

Additional physical conditions include nicks and scuffs throughout the wood, as well as nicks and chips to the feet. The bonnet does not sit flush against the case, and there are small veneer losses to the bottom of the bonnet door. The glass on the door of the bonnet is reported to be cracked.

Evidence for this section
  • “Burled mahogany, brass pendulum and eagle finial”
  • “Cracks to wood on left and right sides of case”
  • “Bonnet does not sit flush on case”
  • “Cracks to glass on door of bonnet”

Dial and Ornamentation

The clock features an arched, painted dial. The arch is decorated with a scene titled "Come Under My Plaidie." The four corners of the dial display allegorical depictions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The maker's name and location are signed directly onto the dial.

The dial surface displays signs of wear and age, specifically reported as crazing, marks, and paint losses.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arch of dial depicts scene entitled " Come Under My Plaidie" with four allegorical depictions of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland on each corner.”
  • “Dial marked "A. Gardner" and "Slamannan”
  • “Crazing, marks and paint losses to dial.”

Movement and Condition

The movement is located within the tall case, accompanied by a pendulum, two weights, and a later winding key. A safety pin is currently attached to the top of the pendulum.

The auction description states that the works have not been tested. Consequently, the functional status of the timepiece remains unverified. No information regarding the escapement or gear train is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Works have not been tested.”
  • “Safety pin attached to top of pendulum.”
  • “Pendulum, two weights, and later works key are provided.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type utilized in this clock?
  • Are there known historical records of A. Gardner operating in Slamannan during the late 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Gardner Scottish Tall Case Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Gardner“Dial marked "A. Gardner”
LocationSlamannan, Scotland“Dial marked "A. Gardner" and "Slamannan".”
DateLate 19th century“Late 19th century.”
MaterialsBurled mahogany and brass“Burled mahogany, brass pendulum and eagle finial”
Dimensions88 1/2 inches H x 21 inches W x 10 inches D“21" W x 10" D 88 1/2 " H.”
Weight80 lbs“80 lbs total.”
Included componentsPendulum, two weights, and key“Pendulum, two weights, and later works key are provided.”

Visible details

  • Painted dial with allegorical corner figures
  • Eagle-shaped finial at the top of the bonnet
  • Burled mahogany case construction
  • Safety pin attached to the top of the pendulum

Research qualifications

  • Operational state of the movement remains untested
  • Extent and history of the reported crack repair on the right side of the case are unknown

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A. Gardner Scottish Tall Case Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record cca5400ed2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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