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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator longcase clock

Small Regulator Longcase Clock by Frederick Rowe

Partially verified

This regulator longcase clock, attributed to Frederick Rowe of Great Marlow and dated circa 1870, is a weight-driven floor-standing timekeeper. The clock features a 12-inch silvered dial in a regulator configuration, with minute graduations on the outer edge, a subsidiary seconds dial positioned above a central subsidiary hour dial, and engraved text identifying the maker. The timekeeping mechanism is a weight-driven movement equipped with substantial plates, high-pinion-count wheels, Harrison's maintaining power, and a deadbeat escapement. The clock includes a temperature-compensated mercurial pendulum with a decorative surround on the mercury jar. The housing is constructed from mahogany, featuring a long glazed trunk door and a solid base. The clock stands approximately 186 cm high and is reported by the auction description to have been sourced from a private collection in the United Kingdom.

Full view of the regulator longcase clock showing the silvered dial, mahogany case, and pendulum assembly.
Full view of the regulator longcase clock showing the silvered dial, mahogany case, and pendulum assembly. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Regulator longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Frederick Rowe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
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

Dial and Hands

The clock features a 12-inch silvered dial designed in the standard regulator format. The dial displays the minutes around the outer perimeter and includes a subsidiary seconds dial located above a central subsidiary hour dial. The dial is engraved with the maker's signature "Fk Rowe – Gt Marlow." in the center, and the time is indicated by original, finely cut blued steel hands.

The dial assembly is housed within the arched hood of the mahogany longcase.

Evidence for this section
  • “The silvered engraved dial measuring 12” is of standard regulator style”
  • “The dial is also engraved “Fk Rowe – Gt Marlow.” to the centre with original finely cut blued steel hands.”

Movement and Pendulum

The weight-driven movement is constructed with substantial plates and features high-pinion-count wheels. For sustained performance during winding, the movement incorporates Harrison's maintaining power. The timekeeping is regulated by a deadbeat escapement and a temperature-compensated mercurial pendulum, which features a decorative engraved surround on the mercury jar.

These components, combined with the regulator-style dial, define the clock's function as a precision instrument. The movement is designed for accuracy, utilizing the mercurial pendulum to mitigate the effects of temperature changes on the pendulum's length.

Evidence for this section
  • “The wonderful weight driven movement boasts substantial plates, six spoke wheels with high pinion counts, Harrisons maintaining power, dead beat escapement”
  • “temperature compensated mercurial pendulum with a beautifully engraved surround to the mercury jar.”

Case and Condition

The clock is housed in a mahogany case that includes a long glazed trunk door, allowing visibility of the pendulum, and a mahogany base. Standing at 186 cm, the case is described as a small longcase format.

The auction house states that the provided photographs were taken prior to the restoration process. The clock is reported to have been held in a private collection within the United Kingdom prior to being offered for sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “The beautiful heavy mahogany case with a long glazed trunk door and mahogany base.”
  • “*Pictures taken prior to restoration*”
  • “Provenance: Private collection U.K.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of Frederick Rowe of Great Marlow in the context of late 19th-century clockmaking?
  • Are there archival records identifying specific workshops or suppliers for this type of regulator movement in 1870s England?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Small Regulator Longcase Clock by Frederick Rowe
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Height186cm“Height: 73 1/4″ (6ft 1″) or 186cm”
Dial size12 inches“The silvered engraved dial measuring 12” is of standard regulator style”
Escapementdead beat“dead beat escapement”
Maintaining powerHarrisons maintaining power“Harrisons maintaining power”
Case materialmahogany“The beautiful heavy mahogany case”
ProvenancePrivate collection U.K.“Provenance: Private collection U.K.”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with engraved 'Fk Rowe – Gt Marlow.'
  • Glazed longcase trunk door
  • Mercurial pendulum with engraved jar surround
  • Finely cut blued steel hands

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent of restoration is not specified, though the source notes the images were taken 'prior to restoration'
  • The precise mechanism of the mercury jar surround decoration is not detailed

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

Consulted source

ATTRACTIVE SMALL REGULATOR LONGCASE CLOCK – FREDERICK ROWE – GREAT MARLOW

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 022f347bd8

Terms in this record

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

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