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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator clock

Mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark

Partially verified

This 19th-century Scottish regulator clock is constructed from mahogany and features a silvered dial with Arabic numerals and two subsidiary dials. The longcase design includes a glazed door embellished with fret-carved scrolling foliate decoration, resting upon a panelled plinth base with bracket feet. The movement is visible through the upper glazed section of the case. A scratched inscription on the object reads, "Made by Dr James Clark, MD.FRCS.EDIN." Measuring approximately 47 cm in width, 30 cm in depth, and 177 cm in height, the clock displays a traditional regulator format. The provenance and construction details provided in the source link the signature to Sir James Clark (1788-1870), a physician who was educated at Aberdeen University and later at the University of Edinburgh, eventually serving as physician to the British monarchy during the 19th century.

A mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark with its pendulum and weights displayed.
A mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark with its pendulum and weights displayed. — Sworders (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Regulator clock
Maker / attribution
Sir James Clark
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
253
Source-reported date
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

The clock is housed in a mahogany case. The design incorporates a full-length glazed door, which provides a view of the pendulum and internal mechanisms. The woodwork features specific decorative detailing, notably the fret-carved scrolling foliate motifs situated above the glazed section.

The lower portion of the clock is supported by a panelled plinth base that stands on bracket feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “A mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark (1788-1870)”
  • “the glazed door fitted with fret-carved scrolling foliate decoration, above a panelled plinth base and bracket feet”

Dial and Inscription

The timepiece features a silvered dial, which is marked with Arabic numerals. It includes two subsidiary dials for additional timekeeping information. A scratched inscription is present on the clock, providing the identity of the maker as Dr. James Clark.

The inscription explicitly references his medical qualifications, specifically listing his status as an MD and FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) of Edinburgh.

Evidence for this section
  • “the silvered dial set with Arabic numerals and two subsidiary dials”
  • “with a scratched inscription 'Made by Dr James Clark, MD.FRCS.EDIN'”

Maker Identity

Records from the National Archives associate the name on the clock with Sir James Clark, a prominent 19th-century medical figure born in 1788. Clark was educated in Aberdeen and Edinburgh before embarking on a medical career that included service to the British Royal family.

He served as physician to the Duchess of Kent, Princess Victoria, and subsequently as physician in ordinary to Queen Victoria after her accession in 1837.

Evidence for this section
  • “According to records held in the National Archives, a Sir James Clark was born on 14 December 1788, in Cullen, Banffshire.”
  • “Upon Queen Victoria's accession to the throne in 1837, Clark was appointed the Queen's physician in ordinary, and was created baronet.”

Open research questions

  • Is there documented evidence of Sir James Clark constructing horological instruments as a primary trade or as a scholarly pursuit?
  • Does the movement exhibit specific technical features consistent with 19th-century precision regulator standards?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSir James Clark“A mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark (1788-1870)”
Date19th century“19th century”
OriginScottish“Scottish”
InscriptionMade by Dr James Clark, MD.FRCS.EDIN“a scratched inscription 'Made by Dr James Clark, MD.FRCS.EDIN'”
Dimensions47cm wide 30cm deep 177cm high“47cm wide 30cm deep 177cm high”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with Arabic numerals and two subsidiary dials
  • Fret-carved scrolling foliate decoration above the glazed door
  • Visible brass movement with barrels and escapement components
  • Panelled plinth base with bracket feet

Research qualifications

  • The source links the clock to a medical doctor, but it is not explicitly documented that he was the professional clockmaker rather than an amateur
  • The precise decade of manufacture within the 19th century is not stated

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

Consulted source

A mahogany regulator clock by Sir James Clark (1788-1870)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b7bb5fe72f

Terms in this record

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

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