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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

David Wilson Scottish Mahogany Longcase Clock

Partially verified

According to the seller, this Scottish mahogany grandfather clock dates to circa 1860 and bears a painted dial signed by David Wilson of Stewarton. The arched dial features a pictorial lunette with two crowned female figures, alongside four corner spandrels allegorically depicting America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The white painted dial includes Roman numerals, pierced hands, and subsidiary seconds and calendar indicators, showing visible craquelure. The case is constructed of mahogany with decorative stringing, a flat-topped molded arched hood, and a paneled trunk door. The listing states it retains an operational two-weight striking pendulum movement.

Frontal view of the Scottish mahogany longcase clock attributed to David Wilson
Frontal view of the Scottish mahogany longcase clock attributed to David Wilson — Chairish / J.G. Antiquary Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
David Wilson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36714129
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Country
United Kingdom

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

The clock is described as a Scottish mahogany longcase clock. The case features decorative stringing or inlaid detailing, a paneled trunk door, and a classically proportioned architectural hood.

The physical dimensions are listed as 82 inches in height, 19 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “handsome mahogany case features contrasting inlaid detailing, a paneled trunk door, and a classically proportioned architectural hood”
  • “Dimensions: 82"H × 19"W × 10"D”

Dial and Decoration

The white painted dial is signed by David Wilson of Stewarton. It features an arched upper scene depicting two crowned female figures and four corner spandrels allegorically representing America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The dial displays age-related craquelure.

The dial includes Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and calendar indicators.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed David Wilson, Stewarton on the beautifully painted dial”
  • “arched clock face is exceptionally decorative, featuring two crowned female figures in the upper scene and four crowned allegorical figures representing the continents of America, Africa, Asia, and Europe in the corners”
  • “dial features Roman numerals, ornate hands, subsidiary seconds and calendar dials, and wonderful age-related craquelure throughout”

Mechanism and Provenance

The clock contains a two-weight striking pendulum movement, which the seller states is currently functional. The origin is stated as Scotland, circa 1860, although the platform metadata lists the country of origin as the United States.

The condition is described by the seller as very good antique condition, with noted surface wear and craquelure.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock retains its two-weight movement and pendulum and is currently working and striking”
  • “Scotland, circa 1860”
  • “Country of Origin United States”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance or known output of David Wilson of Stewarton?
  • How does the discrepancy between the listed 'Country of Origin' in the metadata (United States) and the description (Scotland) affect the attribution?
  • Can the internal movement mechanism be confirmed as original to the casing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for David Wilson Scottish Mahogany Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker Dial SignatureDavid Wilson, Stewarton“signed David Wilson, Stewarton on the beautifully painted dial”
Date of Origincirca 1860“circa 1860, signed David Wilson, Stewarton”
Dial DecorationPainted scene with allegories of four continents“four crowned allegorical figures representing the continents of America, Africa, Asia, and Europe in the corners”
Dimensions82"H × 19"W × 10"D“Dimensions: 82"H × 19"W × 10"D”
MovementTwo-weight movement with pendulum“The clock retains its two-weight movement and pendulum”
MakerDavid Wilson, Stewarton“signed David Wilson, Stewarton”
Stated Datecirca 1860“circa 1860”

Visible details

  • Tall standing wooden longcase clock with figured mahogany veneers and line inlay
  • Hood features an arched glazed door and flared top molding
  • White painted dial with an arched upper scene and four corner spandrel paintings
  • Roman numeral hour chapter ring with two subsidiary indicator dials
  • Single hinged paneled door on the central trunk

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, weights, pendulum, and dial signature are not distinctly legible in the frontal photo
  • Chairish metadata lists the Country of Origin as United States, conflicting with the description stating Scotland, UK

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

Consulted source

Antique Scottish Mahogany Grandfather Longcase Clock by David Wilson, Stewarton, C. 1860 [Lc] | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2dfabfc821

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

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