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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

James Wood Regulator Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This 8-day weight-driven regulator longcase clock is attributed to the maker James Wood, Glasgow, and is dated circa 1850. The clock stands at a height of 208 cm (82 inches) and is housed within a case featuring flame mahogany veneer with a glazed trunk door to allow viewing of the pendulum. It incorporates a 10-inch round silvered dial, which is engraved and signed 'James Wood Glasgow'. The dial layout includes both Roman and Arabic numerals, consistent with regulator-style timekeeping. The internal movement features a dead-beat escapement and maintaining power, paired with a mercury-compensated pendulum.

Front view of the James Wood regulator longcase clock showing the silvered dial and glazed trunk door.
Front view of the James Wood regulator longcase clock showing the silvered dial and glazed trunk door. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
James Wood
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1850
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 and Dial Construction

The clock is housed in a longcase constructed with a flame mahogany veneer. The hood features a simple architectural pediment, housing a 10-inch round silvered dial protected by a glazed bezel. The dial is engraved with the maker's signature, 'James Wood Glasgow', and utilizes a regulator layout featuring both Roman and Arabic numerals.

The trunk of the case incorporates a large glazed door, which provides a view into the interior of the clock, specifically the suspension of the weights and the mercury-compensated pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in a stunning flame mahogany veneer”
  • “The 10-inch round silvered dial, engraved and signed James Wood Glasgow”
  • “glazed trunk door”

Movement and Horological Features

The movement is described as an 8-day, weight-driven mechanism. It is designed as a regulator, utilizing a dead-beat escapement to ensure consistent timekeeping. Maintaining power is also included in the movement design, which allows the clock to continue running during the winding process.

Precision is further facilitated by the use of a mercury-compensated pendulum, which is intended to counteract the effects of temperature changes on the pendulum rod length. The internal components are visible through the glazed trunk door of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-day weight-driven regulator clock”
  • “features a substantial movement with a dead-beat escapement, maintaining power”
  • “mercury-compensated pendulum”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is attributed to the Glasgow maker James Wood, with an estimated date of manufacture circa 1850. The seller lists the provenance as originating from a private collection within the United Kingdom.

The seller also notes that the object is currently held in stock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Provenance: Private collection, UK”
  • “CIRCA. 1850”
  • “Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years”

Open research questions

  • Are there records of James Wood as a clockmaker in Glasgow during the mid-19th century?
  • Does the serial number on the movement, if present, correspond to known records for James Wood?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Wood Regulator Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames Wood“signed James Wood Glasgow”
Datecirca 1850“CIRCA. 1850”
Height208 cm“Height: 82″ or 208 cm”
EscapementDead-beat“features a substantial movement with a dead-beat escapement”
PendulumMercury-compensated“mercury-compensated pendulum”
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK“Provenance: Private collection, UK”
Dial size10 inches“The 10-inch round silvered dial”

Visible details

  • The dial is engraved 'James Wood' on the left and 'Glasgow' on the right.
  • The trunk door is glazed, exposing the mercury pendulum and weights.
  • The case displays figured flame mahogany veneer throughout.
  • The movement is weight-driven, with weights suspended inside the trunk.

Research qualifications

  • The 'circa 1850' dating is an attribution provided by the seller.
  • The specific technical components of the movement (dead-beat escapement) are described by the seller but not explicitly photographed in internal detail.

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

Consulted source

JAMES WOOD REGULATOR LONGCASE CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3139231b97

Terms in this record

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

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